CategorySelf-Expression

25 quotes about kindness to delight you

pink flowers photography

Being kind not only has a direct effect on others, but it has a positive impact on yourself as well. Everybody can use a little bit of kindness in their life. By extending kindness to others, you not only brighten their day but also create a ripple effect of positivity in the world. Acts of kindness can be as simple as offering a genuine smile or a kind word to someone who may be going through a difficult time. Research […]

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Crafting the perfect postcard message (tips and examples)

Sending postcards might seem like a relic from the past. But there’s a timeless charm in receiving a thoughtful note on a tangible piece of paper, especially in an era dominated by emails and instant messages. Whether you’re travelling abroad, sending greetings to a loved one, or simply looking to revive this beautiful tradition, knowing what to write on a postcard can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you craft the perfect postcard message that will […]

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60+ Inspiring quotes about finding the light in the dark that will illuminate your soul

In the tapestry of life, darkness and light are the contrasting threads that weave the intricate patterns of our existence. In the world of words, writers and thinkers have eloquently captured the essence of this eternal struggle, offering us a treasury of wisdom to draw from. These words of wisdom will not only illuminate your path but inspire you to radiate your own inner light into the world. As you read on, may these quotes help you to always seek […]

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Conversational narcissism: what is it and how to avoid it?

We are starved for attention. And not in the least because a lot of the social supports people used to rely on have disappeared. We live a performative and public existence where we’re constantly seeking and vying for other people’s attention. Our brains are being retrained as our natural behaviours are being used to exploit what is one of the most valuable commodities today: our attention. In a time when we’ve substituted in-person interaction with instant messaging, like my brother- […]

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Introduction to henna: the Lawsonia plant, its history, traditions & uses

The use of henna to dye skin and hair has a long-standing tradition; some records indicate that we’ve been using it for over 9,000 years! It’s commonly known in the Middle East, Africa, and Southern and Western Asia. Historical records show that henna has been used for cosmetic purposes in, among others, the Roman Empire, the Convivencia-period in medieval Spain and Ancient Egypt. People who live in hot, arid climates have long been aware of the cooling properties of henna […]

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50 quotes about hope to inspire you

Hope is a powerful force that can keep us going, even in the darkest of times. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel, the belief that better days are ahead, and the strength to persevere when life gets tough. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu “The darkest hour has only sixty minutes.” – Morris Mandel “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt “The […]

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How to recognise a conversational narcissist & tips on how to be a charming conversationalist from a communications expert

A conversational narcissist is someone who tends to steer any conversation to focus on themselves. Whether this is by giving more shift-responses or by simply withholding support-responses, you’ll recognise a conversational narcissist by how they always make every exchange you have with them about them. You may suspect a conversational narcissist if it’s someone who: needs a lot of attention, can’t seem to stop talking, or seek you out just to tell them how great they’re doing. 1) They are […]

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Why you should be writing postcards: 8 forgotten reasons why they’ll always be better than email (and how to start today)

Sunflowers are the perfect thing to cheer someone up

The first postcard was sent by a dude to himself. That was by an English gent named Theodore Hook in 1840. But it wasn’t until an American, by the name of John P. Charlton, copyrighted the first American postcard (how American of him), that they really took off and became popular with collectors, known as deltiologists. Since then our communications have become quicker than instant noodles and the value of each piece of communication has gone down. I mean, how […]

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Floriography: learn the secret language of flowers so you can give unique gifts which are imbued with meaning and significance

Floriography is a cryptic way of communicating through flowers and plants. Meaning, significance and symbolism have been attributed to flowers for centuries, but most recently its popularity soared in the 19th century. Victorian England was not anything if not concerned with that which was proper. Men and women – particularly unmarried ones – were not free to associate with each other as it was deemed improper, and this led to floriography becoming popular alongside a rising interest in botany. Feelings […]

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Why it matters that you show your love & 10 ways to say “I love you”

A woman holding a heart

Did you know that sharing your love will lower your stress hormones, cholesterol and blood pressure as well as boost your immune system? To get all these benefits, though, you need to express your love, not just feel it. You can say “I love you”, write a note or send a text to say “I’m thinking about you”. Hugging, listening and offering to help with chores are all ways of showing your love too. Just being in the presence of […]

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What if you could genuinely comfort someone without resorting to “it’s okay” and a pat on the back?

What to say instead of "it's okay"

If you want sympathy, look in the dictionary between SHIT and SYPHILIS. Sympathy drives disconnection because it is drawing a silver lining around someone else’s pain and dismissing their feelings as no big deal. You easily fall back on sympathy when you’re trying to protect your own heart (especially when you’re an overwhelmed empath), but acting like you don’t have a heart doesn’t make you a very good person. How you make other people feel about themselves, says a lot […]

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Should you give up on having creative hobbies if you aren’t the creative type?

Should you have creative hobbies even if you aren't creative?

So, you can’t draw. Or knit. Or go near superglue without gluing at least two fingers together. You can’t decorate a cake to save your life and your violin playing makes the alleycats yowl. So what? Does that mean that you should give up on having creative hobbies? Of course not! Creativity is a fundamental part of who you are as a human being – and it doesn’t matter what the end result looks like. That’s something that you tweak […]

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Feel like your home doesn’t look like you? Here’s 10 ways to bring art into your home and your life

When I say ‘art’, what pops into your head? Galleries? Fancy openings with impossibly long champagne flutes? Being judged for not understanding a painting that looks like something your toddler made? Beret-and-sunglass wearing artists who’d rather just spend all their time in the studio instead of schmoozing with potential clients? Well, you’re not wrong. That’s the world of high brow art, where you’ll see price tags on paintings that you’d normally see on a new car in a showroom. But […]

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When God created woman he was working late on the 6th day

An adaptation of ‘When God Created Mothers’ by Erma Bombeck When God created woman he was working late on the 6th day. An angel came by and asked, ”Why spend so much time on her?” The Lord answered, “Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her? “She must function in all kinds of situations, cure herself when sick and have the ability to work 18 hours a day. “She must be able to embrace several […]

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