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Sometimes we need to jot down some positive notes to self to keep ourselves going in this stressful world. Reading some encouraging words from time to time can elevate your mood and help you rise above any negativity life throws your way. Inspiration can come from anywhere, but positive affirmations have been proven to ease mental stress and improve one’s outlook on life.

No matter if you write down your affirmations on sticky notes and put them around the house or jot them down in a journal, everyone needs the motivation to keep on trucking sometimes. Respect yourself the same as you would treat your best friend and reinforce positive messages in your self-talk. Have the rule that if you wouldn’t say something to a friend or loved one, don’t say it to yourself. If you start to change your relationship with yourself and become your own best friend, everything in your life will begin to look sunnier.

Here are seven notes to self you need to read every day:

Below, we’ve listed some of the best positive messages to tell yourself every day when you wake up. Make sure to read them daily to get the best results!

1. “I can get through anything life throws my way.”

If you’ve been feeling defeated lately, use this affirmation to get your mind back on track. After a while of existing on this planet, you realize that life comes with a lot of problems. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have what it takes to tackle them. In fact, you would not have been put here if you didn’t. Believe in yourself and know that the universe will never give you more than you can handle.

Even if you don’t know how to do something, simply believing that you have what it takes will give you the strength you need in challenging times. Life always gives us solutions; we have to open our eyes and think outside the box, sometimes to see them. Some notes to self about courage and strength can give you the encouragement you need to keep going.

2. “I am beautiful, smart, and perfectly capable of achieving my dreams.”

Everyone struggles with self-esteem at some point because the world demands so much from us, and sometimes we don’t feel we measure up. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling inferior, but don’t allow yourself to remain stuck in this mindset, either. Just remember that you become whatever you think about yourself, so why not make it easier and believe positive things? You can become whatever you want, and you don’t have to limit yourself based on your perceived shortcomings.

The more you tell yourself positive affirmations during your self-talk, the more you will start to believe it. That’s why it is so important to practice this each day, preferably in the morning before you go to work or school. Drill it into your head that you’re an amazing person, and don’t settle for believing anything less about yourself.

3. “Today’s going to be an excellent day.”

Your attitude determines what sort of day you’ll have, so in a way, whatever you believe becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Remember, you get to create your reality, so if you want to have positive experiences, you need to shift your mindset. Believe in the good things coming, and even if the day doesn’t go as planned, at least having a better outlook will improve your resilience. Always look for the hidden silver lining, because even the negative experiences have a hidden lesson.

Looking on the brighter side of things doesn’t mean you have to slap on a fake smile when something really awful happens. You should still feel and process your emotions, but try not to get too caught up in the details. Keep your mind on the larger picture, and don’t sweat the small stuff, in other words. If you spill a drip of coffee on your shirt while driving to work, laugh, and feel grateful that you still have some left to enjoy.

Remember – it’s not what happens to you; it’s your attitude about it that truly matters.

4. “All is well in my universe, and all is working out for the highest good.”

If you’ve been struggling with not knowing what path to take, write down some notes to self about trusting the process and believing in the journey. As long as you follow your heart and learn to trust your intuition, every action you take will lead you further down the right path. No one really knows what they’re doing here anyway; we’re all just winging it for the most part. So, please resist the urge to put too much pressure on yourself to figure it all out.

We learn as we go, but if you can focus on how each experience helps you grow into a better person, what path you take won’t matter as much. As they say, it is not about reaching the top of the mountain – it’s about the journey along the way. If you wholeheartedly believe that good things will come your way and choose to keep a positive attitude, life will keep on pleasantly surprising you.

5. “I choose to honor, love, and respect myself.”

Nothing good can come out of disrespecting yourself or giving in to negative self-talk. Use this affirmation if you’ve been feeling unconfident or unworthy of love to remind you that you do not have to look anywhere outside yourself for validation. It all starts with you, so give yourself the self-love and care that you deserve. Instead of focusing on everything you don’t like about yourself, use positive affirmations to shift your mindset.

What do you love about yourself? Make a list and keep it on a sticky note on your nightstand so you can read it every day. Here are a few ideas to put on it in case you needed some to get you started:

• Your smile
• Your friendly attitude
• The compassion you have for other people
• How well you do at your job
• Your work ethic
• Your quirky sense of humor and dazzling smile

These may not personally apply to you, but we just wanted to provide a few examples if you need ideas. The world may give you every reason to doubt yourself, but as long as you remember your worth, nothing outside yourself can hurt you. Keep your head held high and don’t let anyone, especially yourself, put you down.

6. “No one can put me in a bad mood unless I allow it.”

Other people’s emotions don’t have to determine your own, even if that seems hard to believe. Why let the negative energy at work or school drain you when you can decide how you want to feel? As they say, “Ships don’t sink because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.” – Author Unknown

This takes some time to practice, of course, but you have to remember that you control your own emotions. Other people may influence your feelings, but they don’t get to determine your reaction. Remain even-minded even if everyone else allows the turbulence of life to rock their own ship. If you can sail on both the stormy seas and the calm ones, the water won’t even have a chance to drown you.

7. “I am open to any potential opportunity that presents itself to me.”

Keeping an open mind means at least considering the paths that present themselves to you. You don’t have to take every opportunity, but it pays to keep your options open. If a better-paying job in your field opens up, for example, you should apply for it even if it makes you nervous to start something new. No one ever grew inside their comfort zone, so don’t allow complacency to set it.

Challenge yourself and believe in your qualifications if you want to achieve great things in life. This doesn’t just apply to jobs, either; if you’re going to move across the country, start a business, or begin a new relationship, you have to weigh the positives against the negatives. If you determine that the decision will benefit you, take that leap of faith and know that the universe opened this door to you for a reason.

Final thoughts on the notes to self to we should all read every day.

In this life, we all need a little mental boost in some way to get us by. Many people find this through positive affirmations, such as the ones we listed above. You become what you think most about yourself, so choose to focus on positive things in your self-talk. Instead of beating yourself up, compliment yourself just as you would your best friend or significant other.

If you treat yourself with kindness and love and compassion, it’ll make it easier to share it with others as well. Let’s start a movement of positivity and vow to show ourselves more love and care because we are so worth it!

You want your home to be a haven of peace, and all those who live there happy and blessed. However, you must realize that a family doesn’t just get this way without some hard work. It takes dedication and a commitment of your time and energy to have a happy and healthy family unit. So how do you create a peaceful place where you can entertain friends, relax, and live in harmony? Well, here are 20 tips that can help you.

20 Ways to Create an Environment for a Peaceful and Happy Home

Are you ready to make your household more peaceful? Try these easy tips.

1. Don’t Take Out Your Frustrations on Family Members

Life is frustrating, and it’s easy to take out those frustrations on your family members. If you want peace in your home, then you need to leave your troubles at the door. When you walk into your abode, it should be a place of peace and tranquility, and the best way you can do that is by not letting the outside problems influence what’s on the inside.

2. Resolve All Conflicts Before You Go to Bed

Unless you’re the perfect family, there will be occasions when you argue or have disagreements. While it’s perfectly normal to have these times of conflict, you should try to resolve all things before going to bed at night. You are not promised tomorrow, and should something happen during the night, you want your partner and children to know that you love them above all else.

3. Assign Tasks for Each Person, So Everyone is Involved in Upkeep

A household cannot run itself, nor can one-person handle everything. The best way to keep your home running like a fine oiled machine is to assign tasks for every person to do. To have a happy home and place to relax, every person must do their job.

4. Always Be Honest

Perhaps one of the things that have the most significant impact in a household is honesty. It means something when you can trust that the other inhabitants are telling you the truth. Even when it hurts or is hard to say, make sure you’re always honest.

5. Make Time For Each Other

Spending time together is the recipe for a happy home. While you may not take exotic vacations, you can watch a movie and pop popcorn together. It’s the little things that have the most significant impacts, especially when it comes to your time together.

6. Have Open Communication and Family Meetings

Family meetings are essential to clear the air. When issues do arise in your family unit, it’s best to meet them head-on rather than to try to sweep them under the rug. At the family meeting, allow everyone to speak what’s on their mind. Together, you can find a good compromise for whatever life throws your way.

7. Take Time for Family Dinners

Outside of entertaining friends, you want to make time for family dinners. There’s something special about the dinner table and sharing all the happenings of the day. Make sure that each person gets a chance to talk about their day, both good and bad. One day, they will remember the magic of sitting around the table, eating good food, and enjoying great conversation.

8. Value Each Other’s Opinions

Each person is a vital part of your happy home, and their opinions matter. Ensure that each person is heard even if it’s just a recommendation on the type of cereal to buy. When everyone feels essential, then the family unit can function healthily.

9. Choose Your Battles Wisely

When it comes to parenting, it’s not an easy task. As a parent, you must choose your battles wisely. This can be an essential bit of advice for your spouse too.

Sure, you may not like that your husband doesn’t shave for three days, but is it hurting you? Your kid may want to dye their hair purple, and you find it embarrassing, but it’s something that must be overlooked.

Remember, the bigger the deal you make of the small issues, the more trouble it will be. If you want something to change, then try using some reverse psychology.

10. Laugh Often

Do you often laugh? How can you have a happy home if there isn’t lots of laughter? Stop being so serious and functioning like a robot.

Take time to tell a funny joke, laugh at something silly that happened to you, or smile. You will be surprised how much better the dynamics of your home when there is plenty of humor.

11. Never Criticize or Be Judgmental

If you want your home to be a place to relax, then you want to feel like you are a contributing member. If you’re continually critical or judgmental of others, then you’re creating a negative dynamic.

No one wants to be judged and feel like they can’t do anything right. Stop being controlling and learn to accept the strengths and weaknesses of others.

12. Celebrate Victories No Matter How Small

An “A” on a math test might not be such a big deal to one child on the honor roll, but to the child who is struggling, that grade may mean everything. Celebrate the little victories as well as the big ones. Each person should feel like their accomplishments matter.

13. Live in the Moment

Do you spend so much time thinking about tomorrow and the day after that you forget to live in the moment? You will blink, and your children will be grown, and you will be in your Golden Years. Don’t forget to take the time to enjoy the here and now. Remember, today is a gift, which is why it’s called the present.

14. Develop a Positive Outlook and Rid Negative Energy

Do you want a happy home with serenity and peace? Well, you must shake off the negative energy that holds you back. Another way that you can help to rid the negativity is by burning sage.

Ancient Indian tribes learned the importance of burning sage to cleanse a space, and you should utilize whatever tools possible to ensure your home is a peaceful haven for all.

15. Spend Money and Time on Making Memories

While it’s fun to entertain friends, you should spend more time making memories. Do you spend your money on material possessions that you can’t take with you when you leave this earth? Why not spend your money on vacations and other adventures that will stick with your family for a lifetime.

Leave a legacy of someone who appreciated serenity and their happy home and lived a life full of adventure.

16. Limit Electronics

Spending too much time on electronics is not advisable. Start small by making dinners smartphone free and setting guidelines for how much time can be spent on television, computers, tablets, and phones.

Did you know that the American Pediatric Association recommends no more than two hours of screen time each day? That means your children shouldn’t be on anything electronic for more than a couple of hours. The effects of too much technology are damaging.

17. Don’t Air Dirty Laundry on Social Media

There’s nothing worse than a person that airs their dirty laundry on social media for all to see. When you have problems that disrupt your happy home, then you need to work on these issues from within. Don’t involve others, especially over social media channels, as it’s a recipe for disaster.

18. Forgive Often

If you want a place to relax and feel at home, you need to learn to forgive. No one can have peace and tranquility if they always feel like someone is holding a grudge against them. Be eager to forgive so that when you do something wrong, you too will be forgiven.

19. Give Preference to Entertaining Friends

There’s something special about inviting friends and relatives over for a barbeque or a cookout. Getting together with others, laughing often, and eating good food is special. You will make memories in your home and ensure that others feel the warmth of your happy place.

20. Don’t Try to Control Everything

Lastly, the best thing that you can do for your mental sanity is not trying to control everything. You must realize that some things are beyond your command.

Use your higher power for guidance and meditate for the times when things can be overwhelming. In this life, it’s impossible to have complete control over everyone or everything. Just do your best to make sure that you are happy and fulfilled, and maybe it will be infectious to others.

Final Thoughts on Creating a Peaceful and Happy Home for Your Family

Your home is the place where you hang your hat. It’s the space where you can relax, feel protected, and enjoy the serenity. By following these 20 tips, you can ensure that your home is a happy one where friends gather, and memories are made.

The cosmic views for August 2020 bring us a sense of optimism and delusion in the air. Neptune, square Venus in Gemini, makes it difficult to be practical with the things that count. The challenge of the virus is still around, and we’re all frustrated, anxious to feel healthy, whatever that means to you. Mars square Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn in Capricorn makes communication and accomplishing everyday tasks challenging. Slow down and embrace the struggle.

There is an end to this long journey, but right now, you need to be cautious and safe. You’re exhausted, tired, and upset. This emotion is not what you wanted your life to be, but ask anyone in the circumstances they can’t control, you have to find strength from within to keep going. This will end. Life will once again taste sweet, but patience and perseverance are required.

The Sun begins this month in square to Uranus in Taurus. Your ego will make demands. It wants change. It wants freedom. The Full Moon on the 2^nd, in Aquarius, brings the battle between control and freedom to ahead. Don’t do something stupid because you’re impatient. Saturn in Capricorn gives you the strength to do what makes you safe, even if it’s a struggle. Remember, that’s the only way to take control and move forward. Jupiter remains retrograde until September. Then it begins its journey out of Capricorn.

When it finally enters Aquarius on December 20^th, you begin to reconnect to life familiarly. Until then, wear your mask and be careful. Keep to your routine, and if you don’t have one, create one. Repetition helps you take charge of your mind and your urges.

Read on for the cosmic view for August.

Cosmic Views for August 2020 for Aries (March 21^st – April 20^th)

Anger is not an alien emotion to any Aries. However, this month it’s prominent. With Mars square Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn, the passion you’ve been repressing will find its way to the surface. Don’t become the saboteur, the person that doesn’t want to listen to what’s right for you because it requires change. And don’t act out for attention.

If you give in to that impulse, then you will live this month fighting pointless battles and getting into the way of your own goals. It’s time to dig in and know what’s important. With Mars square Mercury, the desire to avoid an argument doesn’t exist – you’re looking for a fight to relieve your inner tension. What you will learn about yourself now is the importance of self-discipline, It’s necessary for success in love and business, and it’s the key to your happiness.

The Full Moon on the 3^rd, in Aquarius, helps you feel independent and reminds you that it’s how you offer your opinion that determines if anyone hears it. You’re known for being direct, but what you need to do is listen. When you see what someone else wants, then you also know the path to a resolution. Saturn stations retrograde on the 2^nd and begin its journey out of Capricorn and back into Aquarius, where it will help you redefine freedom.

Venus enters Cancer on the 8^th, and emotions began to rule. Neptune is also square Venus, enhancing delusion and fantasy, which may lead to wrong choices or decisions. This is a dangerous month for all Aries if you have valuable life decisions to make. Your feet are not securely on the ground because your sense of reality is distorted. If you’re in a relationship, whatever is not working will be visible. Face the truth and work it out. If you’re single, it’s not a good time to meet new people.

Taurus (April 21st – May 20^th)

Taurus is excellent at putting aside any emotion that gets in the way of what they desire. This month, the passion that dominates is anger. With Mars in Aries, square Jupiter, the Moon, Neptune, and Saturn, there is not much that won’t irritate you. Instead of projecting this emotion, try owning it. Let go of self-judgment and give yourself support.

Learn from your mistakes, and you’ll turn them into building blocks. Anger is the first stage of digging up the truth. Now try and understand the real reason behind your agitation. Get to the core of your feelings, and then the emotion will not be wasted.

Life is challenging, and there’s not much you can count on for the moment, but you’ll come out ahead if you just slow down. The lesson is to be at the moment. When you are present, good things happen. The moment is all anyone has. Learn to use it in new ways. With Uranus square the Sun, new ideas and solutions present themselves to help you solve your challenges. Just be open to change. Do something different. Get out of your rut and challenge yourself.

The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 3^rd is in your 10^th house of career. The square it makes to Uranus opens the door to change and new solutions. Saturn goes retrograde in Capricorn on the 2^nd, and the desire to repeat old patterns is strong – this is your chance to change. Learn from how it makes you feel. If you’re in a relationship, things are not secure.

You may see things you don’t like. Ignoring the truth will not help you move forward. If you’re single, it’s not a good time to start something new unless you use it as an escape.

Gemini (May 21^st – June 20^th)

Gemini begins the month with your ruler, Mercury, in opposition to the Moon, Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn. Not an easy challenge under any circumstances. What you don’t want it to do is feel stuck. If what’s happening is not essential to your survival, then take a deep breath and wait until the 6^th when Mercury enters Leo and forms better relationships with the other planets.

As a Gemini, you don’t slow down like other people. There is a need to move and to do anything to keep yourself interacting in the world around you. Sitting still is not an option. Quiet time leads to delving into your wounds or facing the issues that need your attention.

The more you avoid the shadow, the more stuck you feel. With four planets in Capricorn trine Uranus, change is happening with or without your consent. Stop fighting it and allow your life to evolve.  Mars in Aries, squaring the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto, keep the anger close to the surface. If you don’t explode, someone else will. There is anger to cope with, and it may come from a partner or a friend, and even if it’s not directed at you, it’s still in your environment. Get out of the way. You can’t control someone else, only yourself – set your boundaries.

Venus square Neptune offers your fantasies as a safe way to escape. Remember, only truth has the power to eliminate illusions, so don’t stay too long in La La Land, it’s not healthy. The Full Moon on the 3^rd, in Aquarius, in square to Uranus, creates a need to change your plans. If you’re in a relationship, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

Your partner is both eager for change and angry that it’s being imposed on him or her. If you’re single, it’s an excellent time to meet new people. Just proceed with caution.

August 2020 Cosmic Views for Cancer (June 21^st – July 22^nd)

Cancers often appear as if they’re loners, but this is only possible if they have someone who cares, someone dedicated to their survival. They need a mothering energy to check in on them, a good heart that will put their needs before their own.

The challenge this month is concerned with communication – you need to let others know how you feel. You don’t like change, but it’s necessary, and it’s happening now regardless of your judgments or displeasure. If you want to know success, you must pay attention to what others think. There are times when compromise is the only way forward.

Find a way to do just that. Venus enters into your sign on the 8^th, and harmony goes away for all the right reasons. Get out of your rut and adjust. Comfort is not always the best choice for Cancer. Mars, in Aries square four planets in Capricorn, creates an environment of anxiety and tension. Be prepared to meet angry people for no apparent reason. However, considering what’s going on around us all, it’s easy to understand that others are on edge and looking for a fight.

Anything to get rid of frustration. Be cautious. Fights can quickly get out of hand.

The Full Moon on the 3^rd, in Aquarius, creates a situation you can’t avoid. Whatever you’ve been ignoring will now be in your face. Something has to give or be scrutinized with complete attention. Don’t dismiss the problem. It won’t go away. If you’re in a relationship, things are challenging. It may not even be your relationship that is the problem, but some issues must be faced, and they affect your peace of mind. If you’re single, you need your energy to take care of the moment. You will have sufficient time for love and fun in a few weeks.

Leo (July 23^rd – August 22^nd)

Leos have a natural strength that comes from a healthy ego. What they need is a way to balance their ego with their emotional needs. The best method to accomplish this feat is to get out of yourself. Help someone on the same path as you, share what you’ve learned.

Until you share your knowledge, it’s not truly yours. With five planets in your 6^th house, you either are busy, or you’re stuck. Mars square Pluto, Saturn, and Jupiter pushes you to break out of your dilemma and get moving. Open yourself up to new ideas, along with new ways of making things happen. This is a time for inventiveness.

Venus enters Cancer on the 8^th, and it softens the blows of Mars by spreading love and good feelings. Uranus in your 10^th house, in trine to the Moon, makes change a necessity, not a choice. Repeating the past is not an option. It’s time to rethink your goals. When Uranus stations retrograde on the 16^th, you’ll have a chance to go back and pick up opportunities you may have ignored. It’s not yet too late to find a better way.

A gift for the moment is an enhanced intuition. The trine from Neptune to Mercury brings out the philosopher and poet in you. You may feel more sensitive to the feelings of others, and this will help you see the bigger picture. Neptune sextile Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto, add a little fantasy and dreaming to your thoughts. It’s time for new ideas. If you are in a relationship, your partner may be helping you out with your business.

They are supportive and what they have to offer is precisely what you need. If you’re single, a relationship that is not already established will be too much to handle. If you’re ready for a more significant commitment, then make one. Don’t run away from love.

Virgo (August 23^rd – September 22^nd)

Virgos have an obsessive nature. Add four planets in Capricorn, and that obsession gets ignited. The danger is that fear will be triggered, not your passion. When fear rules, then it’s easy to make the wrong decisions. You will act to protect yourself instead of advance along your path. Saturn goes retrograde on the 2^nd, and it helps you reconnect to some unresolved issues that need to be fixed.

Saturn always reveals what’s not working and gives you a chance to adjust or make improvements. It’s not easy to look at reality and face the truth, but only truth can be trusted. The Full Moon in Aquarius on the 3^rd brings work issues to full circle.

The square to Uranus in your 9^th house of ideals, insists you reexamine what you believe is possible. Are you aiming high enough or perhaps too low? You need to stretch yourself just beyond what you think is possible, but not so much that it discourages you from trying. Be critical for a moment and change what needs to be altered.

Venus enters Cancer, and the focus is on friendships. The people that you love and those who love you will be there for you. Mars in Aries square Mercury, Saturn, Pluto, and Jupiter makes everything you do feel impossible. Let go of the tension and go with the flow. Anxiety only slows you down and fills you with worry. You are a sign that likes to be in control, and you’re not. That’s why faith is necessary. When you believe something is possible, it is.

All you need is patience and faith. If you don’t have faith – fake it. It gets you going in the right direction. If you’re in a relationship, love is not peaceful. There is too much going on. If you’re single, it will be challenging to meet and pursue a relationship unless it’s part of your destiny.

Libra (September 23^rd – October 22^nd)

Libras struggle with power. This is the sign where your focus shifts from others to the self. The soul is ready to be independent and create a life according to its vision – no one else’s. To do this, you must take the lead. If you’re not a leader, you will be a frustrated follower. Get your act together, and you’ll surprise yourself.

Mars, in Aries square Mercury, Saturn, Pluto, and Jupiter, puts the focus on your 4^th house and the home. There is a lot of happenings going on under your roof – don’t let others create havoc or rule. To discover what you want, requires a moment of selfishness – what makes you happy, what do you want?

Take care of your needs first. Then you can help others with theirs. With Uranus in the 8^th house of transformation and going retrograde on the 16^th, there is an opportunity to make necessary changes. You’ve been growing, and you now see yourself and the world differently, so it’s reasonable to want change. Think of this shift as an opportunity to add growth to your persona. If you’re stronger, own it. And if you have a more prominent voice, use it. If you have a higher truth, pursue it. No one stays the same if you’re living your own life. With Venus square Neptune, work may be an issue because your goals are unclear.

You’re not sure of your priorities, and without clarity, it’s challenging to make righteous decisions. Let go of what’s holding you back. It frees you to move forward. Venus enters Cancer and your 10^th house on the 8^th. This brings new social contacts to your career.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is not in a good place. They are angry and tense, and it could put a strain on the relationship. If you’re single, this is a time to take care of yourself.

Scorpio (October 23^rd – November 21^st)

The focus of Scorpio this month is on communication. You have a message to share that must be expressed. If you don’t feel it, then you’re not listening to yourself. Inside there is a voice that wants to be heard. Meditate or spend some time in nature and clear your thoughts.

To be strong, you need alone time. Scorpio energy is attracted to the shadow, and so you frighten others with your courage and confidence when it comes to danger or risk. You enjoy what they fear. The truth is you’re not as tough as you seem. There’s a soft part, a sensitive side that strives for perfection, something you want, and yet you know it’s impossible – but the striving for it makes you strong.

The key to peace and satisfaction is to learn how to give. Remember, what you give comes back to you. When you use your strength to help others, you find that doors open unexpectedly. Mars, in Aries in your 6^th house, get you working on a project or a vision. The square to Mercury indicates that anger is a problem; it creates unnecessary tension or fights. Mars square Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn in Capricorn create a struggle when it comes to advancing.

You can’t just do things your way. The situation requires compromise. If it’s a problem, remind yourself that nothing is perfect, and what’s more important is to make things happen. The Full Moon on the 3^rd, in Aquarius and your 4^th house, bring issues in the home to a head. Don’t let anything throw you off your center – learn to adapt, at least for the moment. If you’re in a relationship, things are changing, and not for the worst.

Remind yourself that change is evolution and growth. If you’re single, you may meet someone that challenges you, Its something that gets your interest.

Sagittarius (November 22^nd – December 21^st)

Sagittarius rules abundance and expansion. For the last year, Jupiter has been in Capricorn, the sign that rules your goals and career. Capricorn occupies your 2^nd house of values and finances. Paying the bills and organizing your investments may be challenging, but in a few months, it will change.

You’re on a new path, and it will bring you rewards. By the end of the year, Jupiter will be in Aquarius, and you will feel valued and free. Mars in Aries, square Mercury, Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn, creates the conflict you’re struggling with for now. Just keep your distance from the anxiety of others and stand up for yourself.

Don’t let the problems of others bring you down. Be supportive, but don’t take over. For Sagittarius, problems come from issues around authority and children. Do you get the respect you deserve? Are you being overlooked or underpaid?

It’s a difficult time to make demands when so many people are out of work, so the atmosphere is less sensitive to your problems. Use common sense, and you’ll find a way to navigate the conflict. There are good news and new possibilities that will add to your coffer. With Neptune square Venus in Gemini, those you trust may not be reliable – for now.

Pay attention to who you rely on – things have changed, and you need to be aware. If you’re in a relationship, things are challenging. Your partner might not agree with you on important issues. Yes, you can work them out.

If you’re single, it’s a time to explore what you’re really looking for in a relationship. If you know your own needs, you’ll also know what makes you happy. Trust yourself.

August 2020 Cosmic Views for Capricorn (December 22^nd – January 19^th)

Capricorn has been the focus of the universe for a while. It’s a sign where the journey gets completed, and a new vision must be shaped. With three major planets occupying your sign, you feel both a sense of power and frustration, because things haven’t been moving the way you’d like them to. Don’t be afraid to change directions or adjust your plans. It’s part of the journey.

What’s offered now was never expected. However, that’s what’ life is all about. You achieve, you grow, and then you change because the journey has transformed you into a stronger and wiser person. Draw on your experiences for answers and trust your instincts.

Mars in Aries is about vision. If you have sufficient faith, you can see yourself in a better place. Mars is afflicted this month, making a square to Saturn Pluto, Jupiter, and Mercury. There are obstacles to overcome, problems to solve, but if you embrace them, they won’t last long. By next month you’ll see the light.

With Uranus square the Sun, you want to transform yourself, and yet it can only be done one step at a time. Have patience. Venus square Neptune sends a word of caution when it comes to making decisions in regards to your career. Neptune can cloud the truth and present a path that leads nowhere — pay attention. Check the facts. The Full Moon on the 3^rd in Aquarius focuses your attention on finances. You’re either bringing in the money or spending it too quickly. Or perhaps a little of both. Strive for balance. Saturn goes retrograde on the 2^nd, and old issues are revisited.

Resolve what you can.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is changing, and in the long run, it’s a good thing. Yes, you’ll have to adjust. If you’re single, there’s a sense of romance in the air, just don’t let your fantasies get too far ahead of reality.

Aquarius (January 20^th – February 18^th)

Aquarians enjoy being alone. It’s how they get in touch with who they are and what makes them unique. With five planets in your 12^th house this month, you must rely on faith and instinct. So much of what you want at the moment is out of your control.

Trust your ability to respond to the moment. The Sun brings partnerships, both business and personal, into play. You may not agree on important issues. You’re a great communicator, so make your case, then listen to the other side. You’ll find a way.

With Venus square Neptune, finances need your attention. It’s also important to double-check the facts. The truth will be hidden, so don’t trust what you hear. Mars in Aries square Mercury and Jupiter, Pluto, Saturn, and the Moon indicates that anger will be something you’ll have to contend with.

Yes, there’s tension in the air, so don’t push anyone’s button unless it’s absolutely necessary. Jupiter goes direct on the 13^th, and friendships become a focus. You’re either making new friends or old ones are showing you how much they care. The Full Moon, in your sign on the 3^rd, creates a crisis or a need to make a choice. What’s been hidden, suddenly becomes apparent.

The square the Full Moon makes to Uranus brings a surprise. No, you’re not in control, so make things work. Saturn goes retrograde on the 2^nd, and by the end of the year, it will be back in your sign, offering you structure and support. If you’re in a relationship, the Full Moon brings an issue to your attention.

Don’t ignore it. If you’re single, it’s not a time to get close. There are other action items that need your attention. Romance may have to be put on hold.

The August 2020 Cosmic Views for Pisces (February 19^th – March 20^th)

Pisces are water, intuitive, and mentally adventurous. You either rule your world or feel like a victim, the choice is yours. To rule, you need to own your power, which means you have to be present. It sounds simple, but it’s not. It’s so much simpler to escape into a false reality.

Life is so much more enticing than your imagination if you’re not afraid of conflict. Life is a struggle that must be embraced. With Neptune in your sign since 2011, you’ve been asked to connect to your soul. Know who you are. Know your passion and your path. Then you won’t feel lost or empty.

With five planets in your 11 house, organizations and friends have been and still are a major focus. The Full Moon in your 12^th house may throw you off your center around the 3^rd, so don’t plan any important meetings for that day, if you can help it. With Mars in Aries in square to Jupiter, Pluto, Saturn, and Mercury, there are issues around finances and what you choose to invest in.

Don’t let worry block your instincts. It can paralyze you. Remember, fear will only keep you stuck. Uranus square the Sun makes work an unpleasant place. There are changes being implemented, and you’ll have to adjust whether you want to or not. If you are changing jobs, open yourself up to new paths. The unknown is the place of the greatest possibilities.

However, you need to take a risk. Neptune square Venus makes truthful communication a challenge. To see the truth, you have to want it. For now, it’s a challenge to know who you can trust and what is real. If you’re in a relationship, there is anger between you and your partner. Pay attention, and don’t lose your temper. If you’re single, it’s not a good time for romance. Too tumultuous.

You may have heard that men and women express love differently. Affection is a common way of expressing love. You may wonder what this looks like for your guy. So, let’s take a look at the ways that a man shows affection.

How vital is affection?

Recent studies suggest that physical contact, like affectionate hugs or cuddles, increases good health and well-being in adults. Some say that affection holds a relationship together. It the best gauge of your partner’s interest level. So, what are the ways your man shows you his affection?

1. Doing activities with you.

One study found that men express their love by sharing leisure activities with their partners. If your man likes to go on ride bikes with you or walk your dog or go to the movies with you, he’s expressing his love and commitment to you. Don’t miss this expression of his affection because he’s saying that you’re the one he wants to hang out with all the time.

2. Doing household work
   

Does your man do housework? The same study found that men show their affection for their partners by pitching in on the chores. It’s their way of showing they care about you and the home you share. Maybe your guy cooks dinner every night since you work late, or he washes the laundry every week. Whatever he’s doing, it’s his way of saying he loves you.

3. Initiating affection touch and intimacy

Men express affection by initiating physical intimacy. When your man wants to touch your hair, your back, or your face, he’s saying he’s attracted to you and wants to express his attraction physically. If a guy is reluctant to have sex or acts disinterested in physical intimacy, it’s a bad sign. Some say that sex is a good gauge of how a couple is doing because of a lack of affection and intimacy means you have a platonic relationship rather than a romantic relationship. Of course, there are periods when you’re both exhausted taking care of the kids, but for the most part, intimacy should be a part of your relationship and your man should be initiating it sometimes.

4. Little gifts

Guys buy gifts to show they care. It’s their way of displaying love. When your man is interested in you, he’ll pay attention to your favorite colors, your favorite foods, or scents. He knows the stores where you like to shop. He’ll buy you small gifts. He might bring home flowers if you’ve had a tough day at work or home with the kids. Perhaps your love might even arrange a babysitter and take you out for dinner or a movie. He’ll get you jewelry or perfume. He’ll love surprising you with little gifts and watching your reaction. He’s still falling in love with you, and he shows it with small affection gifts.

5. Meet my family

A guy who doesn’t want to meet your family or friends is a guy who isn’t sticking around long. Genuine affection means meeting the people you love. Your man will make an effort to make a good impression on your folks and reach out to your little brother. He’ll invite your friends over for drinks and ask you to invite people along on your beach trip. He cares about who you care about because you’re important to him.  Never overlook this gesture, it’s a sure sign of affection for you.

6. Simple words

Some guys aren’t that great at expressing their emotions and feelings. Just saying, “I love you” may not sound that articulate, but to a man, it’s a massive step towards commitment and affection. If your guy initiates saying I love you, then he’s expressing his love for you. He wants you to know he is in love with you. He’s willing to be vulnerable because you’re that important to him.

7. Talks about the future and includes you

When your man talks about plans, including you, that’s a sure sign he’s committed. His future planning of events is an affectionate way of saying, “Let’s do life together.” Your relationship isn’t just a short-term thing to him. He may be planning to go to a movie next week, or flying to California to visit his family for the holidays or driving to the mountains to ski, but if he’s making plans using the word “we,” he’s demonstrating his affection and care for you. Take notice if he’s including you, he’s showing you he cares and wants you with him wherever he goes.

8. He listens to you

Your guy loves to listen to you. He looks in your eyes. He smiles at your excitement and the way you wrinkle your nose when you laugh. He’s all ears when it comes to what you have to say. He’ll listen to you more than to his friends or his mother. He’s attentive to you, and your words affect him because you’re his priority. He’ll take what you say to heart, even if he doesn’t act like it. You may not realize the power of your words, or that what you said made a difference until he does something that shows you he heard every word you said.  He cherishes your approval, and he listens because he cares so much about your opinions and thoughts.

9. He’s proud of your accomplishments.

Your man shows his affection by supporting you in your accomplishments and goals. If you want to do something, he encourages you and helps you work toward those goals. He’s willing to give up his time to watch you perform in the ballet or read your manuscript. He’s not competitive or jealous of you. He wants you to succeed, and he’s willing to do what it takes to help you meet your goals. He’ll be so excited about your accomplishments he’ll brag about you to others. You may need to quiet him down a bit because he’ll be your biggest cheerleader.

10. He is protective of you, and he defends you.

It’s a guy thing, but men show affection by being protective. It can be exasperating sometimes, but ti’s a sweet way to show he cares. He’ll worry about you if you’re out late and text you to see when you’ll be home. When you’re sick, he’ll be ridiculous the way he worries over you. He’s ready to jump into your ring to defend you to the end.

11. Tries to resolve conflicts

Men show their affection by working to resolve conflicts. They don’t like to have anything between the two of you. Your guy will work hard to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it. He’ll be adamant about talking things out and be quick to own his stuff. Don’t miss this sign of affection, because it’s a sure sign he cares enough about the relationship to work hard to bring peace back.

12. He can apologize and mean it.

When your guy loves you, he is sorry when he hurts you. He is quick to admit he was in the wrong. He won’t deflect or blame you. He’ll take responsibility for what he did. He won’t whine or get moody. He’s mature and reasonable. He’s ready to be humble and admit he’s wrong.

13. He’s attentive to the details about what you.

Affectionate men notice everything about their women. Your guy pays attention to everything about you-your hair, your eyes, your ups, and downs. He’s in tune with you because you’re his priority. He wants to please you by wearing clothes you like or smelling sweet. He showers and keeps his hair neatly groomed. He’s conscientious about his weight, staying trim and in good health. You are important enough for him to work hard to remain attractive to you.

14. He loves the way you look…all the time.

Your guy is still falling in love with you every day, whether you’re having a good hair day or a bad hair day. He’s not critical of how you look without makeup or when your hair isn’t styled. He’s in love with you for who you are, and he loves the way you look all the time. He’ll compliment you on your clothing choices or your new perfume. He’s attracted to your looks, but you are more to him than just looks. He’s interested in your thoughts, your personality, and your emotions. You are a total person to him that he finds attractive.

15. He’s not afraid to be vulnerable with you.

When your guy opens up about his feelings with you, it’s a sure sign of his affection. He trusts you enough to be willing to become vulnerable with you. He isn’t ashamed to cry or say he’s sad. He’s honest when he’s disappointed or scared. He wants to open his heart to you and share intimate details of his life-his struggles, his dreams, and his disappointments. You are his primary support and guide. He looks to you for advice when he’s having a hard time.

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Ways that a Man Shows Affection to a Woman

Many guys find it hard to open their hearts, so when your guy does this, he’s here to stay, and he wants you to know it. If you see these signs, then he is a keeper!

Guided meditation has become increasingly popular due to its instant benefits in our lives.

You’ve probably heard about meditation from a friend or somewhere on the wide web, but you’ve been too swamped to find out more.

Well, here’s the brief gist:

Meditation is a simple activity of sitting or standing still and concentrating on your breath. It helps you avoid stress and boost your happiness. Many practitioners admit to using meditation to improve their overall quality of life.

In guided meditation, an instructor assists you step-by-step as you connect into your soul and reach the meditative state. It’s an optimal method for those who are new to meditating to get the hang of it. You’ll find countless smartphone apps, YouTube videos, and social media groups to help you get started.

Here are 16 science-backed ways guided meditation helps you become happier:

1 – Decreases stress and anxiety

Stress reduction perhaps the most important benefit of meditation. Stress happens when we become overwhelmed with the rigors of everyday life. There’s just so much to do with so little time.

Many times, these concerns are works of imagination, but we send stress hormones to our body. Such habits repeated over time lead to intense anxiety and chronic stress.

Here’s how meditation helps you get rid of stress.

Guided meditation gives you mental space and clarity to organize your mind. What’s more, studies show that meditation helps to reduce cortisol(stress hormones) levels. And increase happiness hormones in the body.

2 – Fights depression

Depression is an insidious sickness that slowly robs you of your happiness and vitality. Depression not only affects your happiness and general well-being, but it also affects your mind and your decision making.

When you sit down to meditate, you connect deeply with yourself. And let go of stress and depression.

Furthermore, this study shows how meditation can help you get rid of negative ruminations—giving you an inner glow of happiness and fulfillment.

3 – Greater empathy and kindness

One easy way to become happier is by simply sharing with others. A little kindness you show goes a long way.

So go ahead and try complimenting your coworker’s dress, donating to charity, or listening to your partner when he or she tells you about their day.

4 – Stay in the present

Meditation makes you more present, calmer, and feel more connected to the world.

Studies show that certain kinds of guided meditation help you develop gratitude, understanding, and empathy for everyone.

Your attitude of gratitude will attract happiness to you.

5 – Develop more self-awareness

Research shows that when you see yourself clearly – you become more confident.

Have you ever been at a gathering with someone who always seems relaxed, calm, and collected as a coconut? He quickly connects with everyone. He never fazed by uncomfortable situations.

Don’t you sometimes wish you can be as fresh and calm as these people?

Yes, you can

The simple answer – you need to increase your self-awareness.

Guided meditation helps you remain fixed in the present moment. Brain-imaging research shows that meditation can help rid you of social anxiety. And make you more confident. You become a better communicator and build happier relationships.

6 – Improves your relationships

A secret that many of the most successful people know is developing quality relationships.

That’s right! Emphasis on quality.

“The quality of your life depends on the quality of your relationship.”

Quality relationships could be the difference between a failed company and a successful one, a painful divorce, and a successful marriage.

Maintaining our happiness also means developing and maintaining quality relationships.

Guided meditations help us foster more quality relationships by giving us the means to monitor our thoughts.

By doing this, we have a clear picture of how we see ourselves and how others see us.

7 – Improves your creativity

What would you give to unleash creative energy like Leonardo da Vinci?

What would your work look like if you could summon your inner creativity? Would your home life look different if you could become more spontaneous?

Creativity has long been with enhanced performance at work and general happiness. Creativity promotes out-of-the-box style thinking to help you solve problems and overcome challenging situations.

In this study, scientists found the often-overlooked influence of meditation on creativity and improved cognitive function.

The results?

We’ll give you the breakdown.

They found out that while guided meditation helps to enhance our emotional cognition, we also benefit improved mood and high levels of creativity. This, in turn, helps us to boost our performance and we remain happy while doing our work.

8 – Sharpen your memory

Well, you might ask – how does a cutting-edge memory help you be happy?

Let me explain.

Imagine if you could remember peoples’ names on the spot, or remember a minute detail about them. Imagine what that would do for your relationships. Perhaps you’d seamlessly build quality relationships. Maybe you communicate effectively with your workers or connect deeply with your husband.

Still not convinced?

Studies suggest that guided meditation can sharpen your memory and attention.

9 – Enhances deeper sleep

Studies show that sleep deprivation impairs attention and working memory, but it also affects other functions, such as long-term memory and decision-making.

On the other hand, quality sleep has long linked to improved performance.

Meditation can relax you and help to promote deeper sleep. In turn, you wake up in a glorious mood and high energy – ready to seize the day.

10 – Improves decision making and problem-solving

It’s no surprise that meditation practice is becoming more popular among top executives managing billion-dollar companies.

Indeed, many leaders attribute guided meditation as a way to build strong leadership skills.

And for a good reason too.

Studies show that people who meditate regularly assess different parts of their brains to make significant decisions.

You know how you sometimes get that gut feeling – the sudden burst of inspiration to a task that had been challenging. Many meditation specialists claim to experience intuitive guidance in their work.

11 – Mental clarity

We have all experienced fogginess and an inability to make decisions.

Frustrating, isn’t it?

When we sit down to meditate, we train our focus and concentration. Since the central practice of meditation is to anchor our attention on our breaths, it is no surprise that the same quality of awareness sips into other areas of our lives.

And on top of that, meditation improves our focus and allows clear thinking.

Multiple studies show higher performance with individuals that meditate as opposed to those who do not when carrying are varying cognitive tasks.

12 – Increases mental toughness and resilience

Having mental toughness and resilience means you can weather the storms in any situation. You can bear almost anything life throws at you.

Imagine if you could take on the toughest tasks like a navy SEAL. Will you get more work done?

Fortunately, you already know-how. Now here’s the exciting part.

Studies suggest that top athletes, politicians, and top CEOs practice meditation to develop resistance to stress and power through any stumbling blocks in their way.

13 –  Boosts immunity

Ever notice how sluggish you feel after an exhausting day at work? That’s stress.

Do you know that a 10-minute meditation can help rid you of stress while boosting your immune system to fight diseases?

That’s right!

A UCLA study shows that HIV patients who practiced mindfulness were able to slow down the spread of the virus in their bodies.

Guided meditation also helps your body produce more disease-fighting immune cells that protect your body.

14 – Preserves the aging brain

The key to happiness is a healthier mind and body. Along with improving attention and clarity, meditation helps strengthen more neural connections in your brain.

There are positive results that long-term meditation practice helps to keep your mind sharp and clear. It also prevents age-related memory loss and dementia by strengthening your brain health.

15 – Helps you lose weight and achieve your body goals

Do you regularly try to lose weight, but you find that either:

• You can’t maintain the healthy eating habit.
• You’re unable to get yourself to go to the gym.
• You can resist binge-eating unhealthy snacks.
• You think – what’s the use?

Meditation helps you control your impulsive actions, and more so helps you stay on course to reaching your weight loss goals.

Furthermore, one reason that may contribute to is stress eating. By meditating regularly, you reduce the stress and anxiety surrounding unhealthy food and reach your health goals.

16 -Destroys addictive habits

We all struggle with our addictions, whether we enjoy more caffeine than we should or a bag of salty chips in the evening.

Here is why we all have cravings. These addictions produce “feel-good hormones,” which make us happy and satisfy our cravings in the short-term.

Succumbing to our addictions leaves us devastated and powerless in the long run.

There is continuous evidence that meditation helps us control our cravings. Whether you are looking to quit smoking or you are trying to stop overeating, this study shows that guided meditation played an essential role in helping recent dieters stick to their healthy eating plan.

More than that, meditation let’s rewire the pleasure centers of our brains.

Final thoughts on guided meditation and increasing your happiness.

Meditation is an age-old practice that powerful CEOs, top martial artists, famous Hollywood actors, influential bloggers, bestselling authors, well-known media personalities, high military ranks, revered artists, and gold medal Olympic athletes all employ to live happier lives.

But the truth is…

Anyone can use guided meditation to boost their happiness. Best of all, it is free, and you can carry it anywhere you go.

Proper etiquette is essential, no matter how old you are. As parents, we’re responsible for teaching our kids proper etiquette. Understanding etiquette helps your kids be poised and comfortable in all kinds of social settings. So, what are15 etiquette rules every parent should teach their kids?

Manners or etiquette?

Manners and etiquette are used interchangeably, but actually, they have different meanings.

Etiquette is the prevailing behavior related to cultural norms, such as things to do or not do. Etiquette goes beyond manners. They guide behavior i.e., where you place your fork and spoon.

Manners are considerations for others. They are guidelines that show respect and thoughtfulness. Saying “please and thank you” are examples of good manners, but it’s also proper etiquette.

Etiquette matters

Educators say that parents who neglect to teach their kids basic social etiquette put their children at a disadvantage at a young age. If you want them to learn proper etiquette, you must first practice what you preach. The old saying, “More is caught than taught,” applies here. So, be a model of proper etiquette for your kids.

Greeting etiquette

1 –  Say hello and remember the person’s name

If you can’t remember a person’s name when you greet them, ask them. No one will think less of you if you ask for their name. They’ll probably be pleased you asked.

Teach your kids to greet using the person’s name. Some families prefer that their kids use titles, like Mr. or Mrs. It’s really up to you if your kids call adults by their first name. But it’s probably good for them to learn proper titles in case they are in a situation where an adult introduces themselves as Mr. or Mrs., then they should use the title to greet the adult.

2 – Eye contact

Our culture values eye contact. Help your kids look into the eyes of those they greet. Practice this at home with your kids or with their grandparents or neighbors. Kids learn from repetition, and if you make it fun, they’ll remember even more. When your child makes eye contact and greets an adult, be sure to give them lots of praise. Shy kids may need more encouragement and practice, but after a while, greeting with eye contact will be a natural habit.

3 – Asking someone, “how are you?”

Asking someone how they are is an excellent way to demonstrate care and concern. In the United States, it’s a common thing to say when you see someone you know. It can sometimes be said without much interest, but it’s still a kind thing for your kids to learn. You can teach them to say something like

• Are you well?
• How are you doing?
• How’s it going?

4 – It was nice to see you

After you finish a conversation with someone, it’s proper etiquette to tell them it was nice to see them. Training your child to say this teaches them to be kind to people. Kindness must be taught. It doesn’t come naturally to all kids or adults.  Explain what kindness is and why it’s important to show compassion. Being kind is a small way your child can change the world around them.

Please and thank you etiquette rules

5 – Thanks for having me over

If someone has your child over for a meal or a playtime, teach them to thank their hosts. This phrase is another way to show their gratitude. Adults are surprised when kids show appreciation, but being thankful to a host can become a natural habit for your kids.

6 – May I please?

Who hasn’t heard a child yell, “I want it!” But even a very young child can learn to say please. Role-play is a fun way to teach this to your kids about these habits. Keep the times short-no longer than 15 minutes.

You can demonstrate both the right way and the wrong way to ask for something. You can get in on the act by pretending to be the screaming child. The kids will have so much fun. They realize you’re teaching them something.

7 – Thank you

Gratitude is a thoughtful way to show people they are meaningful to you. A grateful child will become a thankful adult. Thankfulness must be taught. Little ones don’t come into the world as grateful beings. This phrase is another simple thing to teach your child with role play games.

Table etiquette

8 – Sitting at the table

Sitting in a chair is not only proper etiquette, but it is also a safety issue.  Use positive reinforcement to remind your child to sit down. Try saying, “Remind me where your feet go,” instead of “Don’t stand up.” Positive reinforcement gives the child a chance to problem solve on their own.

9 – Ask before you reach

Teach your children to ask for items they need rather than reaching across the table. Sadly, many adults do this. Train your child to say, “May I please have….”. This brings up the question of when to use may or when to use can. They are very different words.

• May-Saying “may” means you are asking someone’s permission. An example is: “May I have the sugar.”
• Can- Can means you are asking if you have the physical ability to do something. An example is: “Can I go up the steps with my broken foot?

10 – No thanks, I don’t prefer that

Your kids don’t need to like everything they’re served at a meal. Teach them how to refuse food graciously. A simple no thank you is excellent for a younger child to say, but an older child can say, “No, thank you. I don’t care for more Brussel sprouts.”

This begs the question about whether children should be made to eat everything that’s put on their plate. This is up to you, but generally, they should at least take one or two bites of everything on their plate. It’s a good practice to learn as a child and will serve them later in life.

11 – Elbows off the table

Good etiquette requires no elbows on the table. It’s an easy habit to break with repeated reminders. Of course, dad and mom will need to practice this too.

12 – May I be excused?

Generally, at the end of a meal, your child should ask before they get up from the table. You can teach them to wait until everyone at the table has finished eating before they ask to get up. It’s just good etiquette to wait for others and to seek permission before leaving the table. When they get up, it’s an excellent time for them to thank their host for the meal.

Generally speaking: Conversational etiquette rules

13 – Interrupt the correct way

Sometimes a child needs to ask you something. Teach them the right way to interrupt. Adults do this all the time, and it’s something a child needs to learn. Don’t assume they’ll figure it out on their one. Even a small child can learn to stand beside you and wait.

Some parents have the child gently touch their arm. Then when you look at them, your child can say, “Excuse me, mom…” and ask you whatever they need to ask.  It takes practice, and it’s hard for kids to have the self-control to wait, but they’ll learn.

14 – Let parents have adult conversations

Your kids need to learn to allow you to speak with a co-worker or a friend without them hanging on you. Young children often do this because they want your full attention. Adults often assume kids can’t learn hard things like this, but your kids will surprise you. This is another great role-play game for your kids. You can pretend to talk with an invisible friend. Your child can wait next to you until you look at them.  Give them lots of praise when they wait patiently—trying to increase their wait time- thirty seconds to one minute, then up to two minutes. Keep practicing this when grandma or a friend comes over so they can try it out. Give them lots of praise when they try hard.

15 – Wait for your host before you start eating

Adults don’t always get this one right, but your kids can learn it.   Practice this at home at dinner time or breakfast. Have your child sit down and watch you. Make it a game for them as you sit down,  put your napkin on your lap, lift your fork, and then they can pick up their fork and begin eating. Congratulate them when they get it right. Be patient. Kids need repetition and reminders.

Final Thoughts on Children and Etiquette Rules

Parents remember to adjust your expectations for your kids as they get older. A two-year-old may be expected to only say, “Hi” but a five-year-old should say, “Hello, Mr. Smith. It’s nice to see you.” when she greets your neighbor next door. Your kids may feel shy but remind them how important it is to focus on the other person instead of themselves. It will help them feel less shy.

Making others comfortable is a great reason to have good etiquette rules. But good etiquette is also helpful for your child. It prepares them for life by giving them the tools they need to feel comfortable in any setting. Good etiquette improves your kids’ confidence so they can live without feeling inadequately prepared. So, parents start teaching your kids good etiquette rules. They’ll thank you later.

In our money-centered world, we can quickly get caught up with bills, responsibilities, chores, and careers. So it’s no wonder that we can start to feel lost in life. Also, comparing ourselves with others or taking life too seriously can add to the confusion and depression we might feel.

We all came here to learn valuable lessons for our soul’s evolution, and this planet certainly does not make it easy. The trials and tribulations we face may seem overwhelming and leave us weathered at times. However, we can find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Have you been feeling lost or defeated about life? Then, we hope you can find some clarity and hope and start to feel like yourself again. Below, we’ll go over how the dark times can lead to the brightest revelations and discoveries about yourself. We all feel this way at some point along our journeys. But it doesn’t have to be viewed as a negative thing.

“To be lost is as legitimate a part of your process as being found.” – Alex Ebert

Here are five reasons you feel lost in life:

1 – You put too much stake in other people’s opinions.

If you let other people dictate your life too much, you will undoubtedly start feeling lost and uncertain about your own life. Other people will only give you advice from their perspective and understanding, but you have to listen to your voice. People will never hesitate to offer their two cents about what you should do with your life, but only you can determine the direction you want to go.

2 – You might feel lost in life if you neglect your intuition.

Our intuition can help us navigate life when we start to feel lost; in fact, it could play a more critical role than intellect in solving tough problems. Studies show that intuition can provide just as effective results as an analytical approach to making decisions. We have lived in a world mainly governed by right-brained thinking for far too long, but the intuitive side of us seems to be making a comeback. We all have an inner voice that helps guide us through life, but we must learn to trust it and allow the rational brain to take a backseat.

3 – You engage in negative self-talk too often.

Many people feel lost in life because they just don’t give themselves enough credit. They look outside themselves for answers but forget their real power and potential. We all get caught up in the comparison trap from time to time, but this will only hinder your growth. We can implement positive self-talk in various ways, through mantras, affirmations, or even meditation.

Studies indicate that regular meditation helps increase positive thinking, which will help quiet those negative thoughts about yourself and the world. If you feel lost in life, try to shift your thinking to all the positive things happening in your life. You will feel much better and start to see more beneficial outcomes as well.

4 – You don’t know your real purpose.

Not everyone believes in having one huge purpose for being here, and it does seem a little daunting to think about. However, we can all improve the state of this planet in some way, and leave it better than we found it. If you feel lost in life, perhaps your job doesn’t bring you fulfillment, and your soul feels tired of begrudgingly clocking in and out every day. Does this sound like you? If so, make a list of things that interest you, and find out ways you can make money from them. Even if it only starts as a side business or just a hobby, it will improve your mental health and happiness just by giving it your attention.

Just remember that at your core, you’re not just a human being; you’re the whole universe expressing itself consciously, having a temporary experience here on Earth. It does get a little taxing and confusing down here in this heavy realm at times, but you came here for a reason. Remember to take time and dig deep within to find out what makes your spirit soar; that might just be your true calling.

5 – You live in the mind more than the heart.

The energy on Earth feels very imbalanced at times. But perhaps if we lived through our hearts more instead of our minds, we would see that reflected outwardly.

In other words, making more decisions based on the well-being of others and the planet as a whole instead of just our egos. Such conscientious thinking would do wonders for the state of the Earth. A world dominated by pure logic can only take us so far. But at some point, we need to add some heart and soul into the mix, so we don’t just act like machines.

If you feel lost in life, start thinking more about how you can help others improve their own lives. By taking the focus off yourself and shifting it to other people, you can truly make a difference in people’s lives, and your worries won’t seem so big after all.

If you feel lost in life, here’s how to find yourself again:

1 – Don’t bury your feelings.

First off, you can’t expect to find your way out of the darkness if you don’t explore what got you there in the first place. To truly discover yourself again, you have to get lost for a little while. In life, we all go through this, so don’t let it discourage you or make you think you’ll never see the light at the end of the tunnel. Life happens differently for everyone, so just focus on what makes you feel whole again and forget about the rest of the world.

If you feel lost in life, learn to listen to your feelings and intuition calling you back home again. You’ll learn so much about yourself if you dive deep into yourself rather than always listening to the world’s voice. Society doesn’t know your soul. Only you indeed do, so all that matters at the end of the day is staying true to yourself.

2 – Trust yourself.

You can’t find yourself if you drown out your voice and desires by always doing what the world expects of you. You have the key to unlocking the doors to your deepest self, so you must trust the process. Even if it takes you years to get where you need to go, you can’t make it there if you continually sabotage your heart’s true desires. At the end of the day, we only have ourselves, so it makes sense to know ourselves to the core and trust what our soul tells us.

You can’t ever run away from yourself, so if you feel lost in life, take that as a sign that you’ve been neglecting yourself, and learn to tap into your highest self.

3 – If you feel lost in life, learn about what makes you happy.

We often get so caught up in this world trying to please other people and take care of their needs that we forget what we even want or need. Even taking time off work for a short vacation or self-care can do wonders for your mental health and help you find yourself again.

As humans, we often compare ourselves to others and wonder if we live the right way. But just remember that all paths lead to the same place eventually. In other words, as long as you do no harm to yourself or anyone else, your way is just as valid and “correct” as others’.

No one has all the answers, and we don’t get a manual for how to live life. It only makes sense to fill your time with things that bring you joy. Whatever makes your heart happy, follow it, because it will truly lead you back home.

4 – Try new things.

If you stay inside your comfort zone too much, you won’t give your soul what it needs to grow. Getting comfortable in a routine makes us complacent after a while. So make sure to shake things up every so often. Try a new hobby or invest in learning a skill that interests you. Perhaps somewhere down the road, you could even make money from it!

You can always reinvent the wheel. So don’t let doubts or fears stop you from getting outside your bubble.

5  – Get rid of negative thinking.

Our thoughts can either propel us toward the life we want or hinder us from it. Make sure you keep your thoughts as positive as possible so you can manifest the reality you wish to see.

Final thoughts about feeling lost in life

Don’t beat yourself up in you’ve been feeling a little down or confused about your journey. Everyone goes through this, but you can’t allow those feelings to paralyze you. Learn about why you feel this way and what you can do to change it. You have all the power within to create the life you love; you just have to believe in your potential and imagine yourself as the best version of you possible!

Are you looking to create positive energy in your home? Feng shui has been used for centuries to help balance and promote the flow of good chi in your abode. In Chinese, it is a beautifully blended word that means “wind-water.”

Feng shui uses standard principles that anyone can incorporate into their home. It’s one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, and they are beneficial to your entire being. If you are looking to create a harmonious environment, then you should consider practicing this art.

The purpose behind this art of space, light, and color, is to clear all the invisible forces that take away from your spiritual focus. The concept is quite simple. Think about your living space and how your furniture is arranged.

The goal is to create an efficient flow so that you can go into and out of a room effortlessly. However, this Chinese art takes things one step beyond good flow and organization. The good news is that it can be incorporated into any design style with ease.

Many have found that these ancient practices help them to set up their new house or redesign an existing room. The goal is to maximize the use of each space and allow it to add beauty and pleasure to your life. You and your whole family will benefit from the domestic harmony it imparts.

According to wind-water philosophy, chi is the life force of the universe. Your home resonates with you and your family’s chi. When it can flow effortlessly, you can enjoy a tranquil home and a prosperous life.

15 Ways of Incorporating Feng Shui to Bring Positivity to Your Home

It may sound a bit overwhelming when you don’t understand this art. While there are many steps to incorporate and tips to follow, it’s all about creating prosperity and a harmonious environment. Try these fifteen things that you can do to help give your Feng shui a jump start.

1. Plant Goodness All Around You

Plants have a special place in the Chinese home as they are the embodiment of life. Bringing nature inside helps you to stay connected, plus it brings along numerous benefits. Feng shui 101 is to strive to have better health and vitality, and when you bring plants inside, it puts you on the right path.

It would be beneficial if you bought foliage that will grow according to your specific environment. Most important is that you don’t buy a bunch of plants and have them die. It’s worse to have a dead plant in your space than to have none. This decor element is a fundamental way to start incorporating these principles that most people can do with ease.

2. Get Rid of Clutter

Do you have piles of books, magazines, and clothes that need to be donated to your local charity? Most people don’t understand that the clutter is stopping the natural flow of energy in their homes. Do you want to disrupt the balance and peaceful calm of the space?

Some things in life weigh you down. If you have a room that is heavy with clutter, then it needs to be addressed. You can enhance the energetic function of space by merely tossing and donating all that extra stuff.

3. Learn Commanding Positions

A commanding position is a feature or piece of furniture in your home that stands for something else. For instance, your couch can be a stand-in for you. Your desk space might be a stand-in for your job, and your dryer might be a stand-in for productivity. The goal is to position these things right so that you can take control of your space and life.

4. Balancing the Elements

Try to incorporate the elements into your peaceful home, which are metal, water, fire, wood, and earth. By having them in your living space, it helps to bring balance. Have you ever been in a room that had wood paneling, wood floors, and wooden accents?

Using too much of one element can be overwhelming to any area. However, when you use wood floors, a stone accent wall on a fireplace, and some metal wall hangings, you will bring the right balance. A room using only one medium is suffocating, but when you have a mixture, they complement each other.

If you cannot use actual elements, such as fire, then you can use the color of fire. A beautiful warm red tone or a bright orange can help to give you the same effect. For water, you can use shades of blue and green. Don’t try to stuff all five elements in each room as it will be too much. However, you should strive to have all five inside your home.

5. Bring in the Light

Natural light is a big part of Feng shui. Have you ever noticed how you feel when the sun breaks after a storm? This invigoration can be created when you let the sunshine in every day.

Never close off windows with blinds and curtains to block your view. Instead, let them bring nature to the inside. Once you expose the windows, make sure to clean them and get off any dirt or debris that can block the flow of sunlight.

If you must have curtains, then choose an excellent opaque style that still allows the light to penetrate. A mirror placed directly across from the windows can also allow the light to reflect throughout the home. Natural radiance lifts everyone’s mood.

6.The Door to Your Spirit

In the system of wind-water, your home’s front door symbolizes the entry to your soul. Practitioners recommend making it the focal point of your home and avoiding using back and side doors for entry. Make your entryway attractive and clutter-free and painted the color of the direction it faces.

7. Points to Forget

Sharp, angular décor, and features don’t have a place in a chi-centered home. They represent broken relationships and cutting words. Instead, opt for soft, sloping lines and rounded edges. Circles are especially encouraged since they embody eternal life.

8. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Ever since humans first saw their reflection in the water, we’ve had a collective affinity for mirrors. If you want to make a space look larger and more abundant, mirrors do the trick. They represent the water element in your space and enhances its chi.

Remember to use round mirrors and use a large one or a few small ones to create a focal point. As the mirror reflects things before it, so your home reflects your soul. Consider at least one mirror in each room.

9. Keep Your Flooring the Same

Have you ever been into a home that used different styles of flooring in each room? That feeling of unbalance wasn’t just in your head. For chi to flow uninterruptedly, keep the same flooring throughout your house.

If you can, consider using natural floor elements rather than carpet. Not only are they easier to clean, but they bring in positive wind-water balance. It’s best to use wood or stone tile.

10. Fixing Squeaks

Did you know that something as small as a door squeaking when you open it can affect your chi? If your front door is making a terrible creak when it opens, then you need to fit it.

It’s possible that you have become so accustomed to the sound that it doesn’t even bother you, or you may not notice it. However, subtle noises can mess with your vibrations, which means it needs to be fixed. Get out the oil and fix that creaking joint.

11. Use a Water Fountain

A water fountain is an excellent way to incorporate the water element into your home. Finding where to put this fountain can be another problem. It’s best to place any water element near your entry door, but you want to make sure the water is flowing towards the center of your abode.

12. Keep Your Bathroom Door Shut

You know that keeping your bathroom door shut is good for obvious reasons, but there are also some harmonious reasons for it. Your bathroom is the place where water leaves, which can also indicate wealth being flushed away. You don’t want to lose any wealth that is coming your way.

13. Cover Any Television in the Bedroom

If you have a television in your bedroom, and it’s not the best idea, then you should cover it when not in use. A television is a form of active energy, and it can disrupt the peaceful haven you are trying to create.

14. Fill the Space Above the Cabinets

One of the commandments of Feng Shui is to make sure that there is no empty space above the kitchen cabinets. If you do have space, then it’s a great location for some houseplants. You don’t want your chi to become stuck in dead spaces, so fill it up with life, and it will enhance your energy.

15. Use White Sage for Space Clearing

Finally, once you have redesigned your space according to this Chinese art, then it’s time to cleanse it with white sage. Go through each area of the home, making sure that the smoke from this herb penetrates every corner.

Sage can help to cleanse impurities as well as get rid of old, stale energy. You don’t want anything standing in the way of your new, fresh energy.

Final Thoughts on How Feng Shui Fits Everyone

The beautiful thing about Feng Shui is that it fits everyone with a myriad of lifestyles. By simply arranging your furniture and items in a specific method, you can change your entire life.

If you want prosperity and a peaceful home, then why not use some items from this list to change the energy and harmonious balance of your space?

Reading quotes about change can help guide you through challenging times. The key is to stay positive and remember that you will get through it.

Every change brings new opportunities and experiences. Instead of letting your fear of these changes hold you back, embrace the change so that you can grow.

You’ll never reach your goal if everything remains the same. Accept changes as they come because you never know which change will lead you to the goal. While it may be difficult, you’ll look back and be glad that you did.

It may take time to heal from the pain of change, but these quotes about change should help you cope.

20 Quotes About Change to Guide You Through Your Struggles

1. “Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” – Arnold Bennett

Change is highly uncomfortable. It requires stepping outside of your comfort zone and accepting something new. It’s hard to do, but it’ll be for the better and you’ll find a new comfort zone.

2. “The changes we dread most may contain our salvation.” – Barbara Kingsolver

It’s hard to know exactly what you want until you experience something new. Remember that the next time a change occurs, because whatever happens next could be amazing.

3. “Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” – Steve Maraboli

You can’t control everything in life. Rather than focus on the things that you don’t have control of, focus on what you can control. By doing this, the change will come easier and you’ll find more inner peace.

4. “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

While change is hard, it’s sometimes necessary to become the person you want to be. Since you can’t change what happened in the past, make sure you change the future. Don’t stay stuck in the same place just because it’s easier.

5. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates

Change is going to happen no matter what you do to prevent it. Instead of fighting the inevitable, try putting that energy into making the change a beneficial one.

6. “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin

The world changes, even if the people living in it refuse to change themselves. To survive, however, you must be willing to change. It’s the only way to adapt to the world and change with it.

7. “Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” – N.R. Narayana Murthy

While it may be hard to accept a change or to decide to move on, it’ll be better in the long run. The pain of change will eventually fade, but the pain of being stuck doesn’t end unless you change. Make the change now so that you can begin to heal.

8. “It’s okay to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave.” – Mandy Hale

As stated before, change is hard. It’s also terrifying. As Hale explained, it’s okay to accept that feeling, because what you will do next will be amazing.

9. “Life is about change. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it’s beautiful. But most of the time, it’s both.” – Lana Lang

Without change, you’ll never experience anything new. With a change, however, you’ll meet new people, experience new things, and grow in ways you never expected. When the change is painful, remember how beautiful your future can be.

10. “We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea.” – C. JoyBell C.

While change is scary, you must push that fear into the back of your mind and move forward. Choosing to stay in your safe place will only hinder what you could discover.

11. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts

Making the first move will be the hardest part of the change. By diving in all at once, you’re preventing yourself from turning back at the last minute. Jump in and accept what will come next.

12. “I have accepted fear as part of life – specifically the fear of change… I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back.” – Erica Jong

As scary as change is, you have to be brave and move forward despite your reluctance. Even when everything in you says to stay where you are, making a change is sometimes more important.

13. “Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.” – Bob Goff

When things change, it means new stories are coming. Your life is still developing, and a change only brings new happiness. By embracing it, you’ll start to see the joy much sooner than if you resisted.

14. “When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.” – Paulo Coelho

The only way to grow and move forward in life is to make a change. When life unexpectedly offers a change, it’s important to consider taking it. The chance may never come again.

15. “I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better.” – Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

Nothing will get better without change. If it all stays the same, there is no opportunity for growth. So, while every change may not be great, the alternative is to have no chance for something better.

16. “Change is inevitable in life. You can either resist it and potentially get run over by it, or you can choose to cooperate with it, adapt to it, and learn how to benefit from it. When you embrace change you will begin to see it as an opportunity for growth.” – Jack Canfield

Things change whether you want them to or not. The only thing you can do to get through the change is to accept it and learn to live with it. This will help you grow, while resisting change only holds you back.

17. “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.” – Max DePree

If you want something better for your life, or if you want to grow in your current position, you must change some things. By refusing change, you are refusing growth. Don’t stand in your own way.

18. “Change can be frightening, and the temptation is often to resist it. But change almost always provides opportunities – to learn new things, to rethink tired processes, and to improve the way we work.” – Klaus Schwab

When one opportunity doesn’t work out, you’ll find another one on a new path. Accept the change, frightening as it may be, and do what you have to do to move forward. Learning is essential to handling change positively, so you may have to change the way you think.

19. “Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” Eckhart Tolle

With change comes a chance for new things to enter your life. If things never changed, your life would never develop beyond what it is today. The sooner you accept the change, the sooner you will see the new opportunities.

20. “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Laozi

If you resist change, you’ll find yourself feeling sad helpless. Instead, accept what is happening and move forward with it. Each change is one step closer to where you are meant to be.

Final Thoughts on Quotes About Change to Guide You in Challenging Times

Think of these quotes about change during the often challenging times. And if you can stay positive, you’ll get through it. Always remember that when something changes, you’ll be experiencing new situations and opportunities in your life. When you look back, you’ll be happy for all of these challenging times.

Since it’s not as easy to stay positive when you’re in the midst of a challenging time, you may need guidance. These quotes about change should help to guide you through the hard times.

Do you need to come up with some games for kids that keep them quiet while you’re working? Do you dread hearing your youngsters whine about being bored? What’s a busy work-at-home parent like you to do?

In the past, children found creative ways to keep themselves occupied when the weather was terrible. Many of today’s kids just want to vegetate in front of the tv or play video games for hours. Is that a familiar scenario at your place?

Statistics are alarming for the average number of hours most American children play on technology. While limited tv and gaming has its place, you probably want your children to spend more time without it. Besides, your home job may require Internet work, and your connection speed can be slowed down with the whole family using it at once.

Children need structure, so consider making a daily schedule to help balance the needs of your home. Use a poster or whiteboard, write each child’s name on it, and block out the time they each get for technology. Fill the rest of the spaces with exciting games, activities, lunch hour, and rest time.

Before school is out and the battle against boredom begins, you must be prepared. Your little ones can have fun, and you can get your work done in peace.

Here are ten games for kids that they will love to play while you are “at work.”

1. Puzzle Time

Children of all ages enjoy a challenge, especially riddles and puzzles. These can be done individually or as a group. The good news is that these fun past times don’t require a lot of noise, which is good for you.

You can find beautiful jigsaw styles inexpensively for any age level. Set up a small table in a quiet space of the house where the kids can work on them. It can stay in place, and they can work on it a little bit each day.

Dollar stores usually have plenty of word searches, crosswords, and other gamebooks for children. Provide crayons, colored pencils, and markers, and store them in plastic containers. The Internet is a free source of free printable games and color sheets to copy.

2. Scavenger Hunt

When it’s raining and blustery outside, your youngsters can still have an adventure. Remember the scavenger hunts you enjoyed as a kid? This treasure hunting game can be just as thrilling indoors.

Beforehand, gather several unusual items and make a list of them. Hide each item in a creative place, considering your children’s age level. Give each child a list of things to find and a pencil to check them during the hunt.

Although healthy competition is suitable for children, you don’t want your scavenger hunt to turn into a noisy brawl. Give each kid a little prize after the game for a job well done. For even more exciting adventures, consider giving your hunt themes, like beach items or beauty stuff.

3. I Spy

Here is a game that kids have loved for generations that is quiet and doesn’t require anything. There’s no age limit, and they can play the game inside, outside, or even while traveling. I Spy encourages kids to use their imagination, guessing skills, and color memory.

To play, one child is chosen to be the spy. He will look around the room and will pick any object to keep in his mind. Then, he will say, “I spy with my little eyes, and the color of it is…” and will say what color the secret object is.

Each child gets a turn to guess one object. The guessing continues around the circle until someone guesses it correctly. The winner becomes the new spy for the next game.

4. Fun Challenges on Paper

If you have a pile of scrap paper and some pencils, you can keep your youngsters busy for hours. The rules for tic-tac-toe are simple for even the youngest children as they battle to see if X, O, or the kitty wins.

Your little ones can also improve their spelling and vocabulary by playing the classic Hangman. Who will guess the mystery word before the gallows are drawn? How about a game for kids of Dots and Squares, where players vie for squares to write their initials?

Another fun game with paper is making a classic fortune teller. The paper is folded into triangles that you work back and forth with your fingers and open for a funny fortune. Use bright colored paper and find an easy template online to make them.

5. Hand Games

Many adults still play Rock, Paper, and Scissors to choose someone for a dreaded task. Teach the kids the hand sign for rock, paper, and scissors and how to clap with their fist. Then, teach the rules about what item trumps the other.

Your kids can also learn amazing tricks using a length of string tied into a circle and arranged into designs on their fingers. If you don’t remember how to make the classic designs like Jacob’s Ladder, Eiffel Tower, or Spider’s Web, look for online tutorials under games for kids.

The iconic yo-yo is making its way back to toy departments across America. These little toys on a string are easy to work, and your kids can learn to make them do amazing tricks. When your kids play with their yo-yos, be sure they have enough space away from breakables.

6. Home Bingo

Bingo can be played with numbers, letters, shapes, or even objects. Home Bingo is a hybrid of a scavenger hunt and Bingo and can be made age-appropriate. It can be played in one room or around the house.

Create a simple 5 X 5 square grid on the computer and print them out. For each card, write the names of different household items in each square, making each card different. An older child can call out random things that the others can mark off of their card.

The winner calls Bingo when she has marked off five items vertically or horizontally. Then, she becomes the next Bingo caller. Print out several cards for multiple games.

7. Quiet as a Mouse

Fortunately for parents who work from home, the object of some games for kids is silence. When your kids play a game of Mouse, you may wonder if they are even in the house. It’s a fun game that you don’t have to hear.

Players get in a circle, and the chosen leader says, “One, two, three, mouse!” Everyone must stay quiet or be eliminated. The last person to keep the silence is the winner, and the game restarts. After a good game of Mouse, your busy mice may be ready for a lunch of grilled cheese sandwiches.

8. Classic Games for Kids

Two of the classic games for kids that are enjoying a revival are jacks and marbles. You may have heard your parents talk about it or have played the games yourself. These were favorite playground games that are just as fun indoors.

You can purchase a set of jacks or marbles in most department stores or online. Vintage metal jacks and glass marbles are collectible and can be quite expensive. Today’s finds are cheap and easy to find.

For either game, your kids will need some space to make a circle. If you don’t know or remember the rules for the game, find and print them out from your computer. Explain the rules for younger children.

9. Using Play Money for Games

Do you have play money left from old board games? Create games for kids, so they learn how to count money and shop. Help your youngsters set up a store or a bank, and they will be counting cash all day.

For the store, give each child some play money and set out a few canned goods or other small things for them to purchase. You can also let them play bank and cash paper checks. These fun games are good ways to teach your kids about business and home economics.

10. Thumb Wrestling

Arm wrestling can be a challenging sport, so thumb wrestling is the next best thing. To make the game fair, pair up kids that are around the same age and ability. While the game is usually quiet, you may hear a little giggling.

The kids pair up and clasp one of each other’s hands, thumbs up. Then, they use only their thumbs to wrestle and hold their opponent’s thumb down for the count of three. Winners can challenge each other for a final championship.

Final Thoughts: Mastering Quiet Games at Home

It’s not an easy task to work at home and keep your children quiet and occupied. When you plan games for kids that are creative and exciting, you are less likely to hear them whine about boredom.

So, the kids get to have fun playing quiet games, and you can get your work done. Even something as simple as a word search can make a big difference in your day.