What separates a successful person from someone who’s given up on their life? Some may say it is the better financial situation, healthier bodies, and happier upbringings. If that was the case, how would you explain the incredible successes of people like Oprah Winfrey? Oprah was born into a poor family in Mississippi, but that didn't stop her from winning a scholarship to Tennessee State University and becoming the first African American TV correspondent in the state at the age of 19 and later establishing her famous “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Or how about Richard Branson, who has dyslexia and has been performing poorly on all the standardized tests throughout his school years?
If you are on a journey for self-improvement, whether it is achieving your dream physique or, perhaps, learning to deal with negative self-talk, you most probably already know that there is no such thing as perfect. Improvement is a lifelong process rather than a final destination. Whenever you think you are good, you already know you can be much better. As frustrating as it may seem at times, embracing this one fact can save you a lot of headache down the road. Learn to love the ever constant battle! Our bodies, so are our minds only grow in the presence of challenge, and there is nothing more rewarding than looking back and seeing your starting point and how far you’ve managed to come. This week we encourage you to keep growing and bettering yourselves.
What comes to your mind when you think of a term “anomaly?” By definition, anomaly means something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. When it rains in the middle of July in Southern California, we call it an anomaly. Dark matter, placebo effect, UFOs - those are just some examples that come to mind when we think of the term. In today’s world, however, a new type of anomaly is emerging; that is being so unapologetically you that you become the anomaly in the eyes of people yourself.
October is an international breast cancer awareness month. According to research conducted by various cancer organizations, about 12.5% of American women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. With increased life expectancy, this number is only expected to climb higher. Genetics, poor diet and physical inactivity have all been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, however, no direct connection has yet been established. Whether you yourself or your loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the experience can truly shake your world and test your ability to stay positive and hopeful. It is in the time of adversity that our character is really being tested and how you cope with it will ultimately define your further life.