Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Nurturing Optimism in Premarital Couples

One of the many ways to encourage premarital couples to identify positives attributes in each other and also respond positively with optimism would be first to demonstrate to them how they could develop positive affirmations that would combat their own internal personal negative irrational thoughts and perceptions. When one learns to change the way he or she thinks and feel about his or herself in a positive outlook they can begin to build up/affirm their loved one’s esteem and identify their positive attributes. I would admonish premarital couples to understand that each is a child of God in order to maintain some level of godly respect for each other. When you are and confident you are able to esteem your partner. What I sometimes encounter during a counseling session is interacting with a client who can easily encourage and maintain optimism towards his/hers loved one but have difficulty doing the same for him/herself.

This behavior can cancel out any positive affirmations or optimistic attitude and behavior from the other person because a positive + negative = negative. A couple can practice new behavior especially for those individuals who tend to be pessimistic or always see the glass half empty. In addition, Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott, #1 New York Times Bestselling  Authors of Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts notes, “Learning to choose your attitude is not easy, but once measured, a positive attitude paves the way for a fulfilling marriage.”[1] Consequently, when one partner in a relationship...         See  entire article, "Attitude of Optimism in Couple" and featured video by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Liberation in Going Natural

Don't forget to check out this video I found below as an added bonus on developing natural products for skin/face using ingredients right from your kitchen, medicine closet or pantry:  

The term “NATURAL” is seen everywhere on just about every type of product you can find from foods, hair and skin cosmetic and nutritional supplements. And because we live in a capitalistic society, major commercial brands and industries are tapping into potential wealth based on consumers who love to buy “NATURAL” but back to the point…It is refreshing and liberating not having to feel the pressure of keeping up with the girl next door sought to speak-trying to look just as good (hair, skin, nails, make-up, etc.) to be accepted by employers, society and prospective lovers & potential future spouses.

Liberating also because going natural can be less labor-intense in terms of not spending approximately 20-30 minutes applying make-up to the face; and either relaxing own hair or spending hours in the salon getting your hair relaxed or weaved. And for those who still like wearing protective hair styles such as wigs, weaves and braid/loc/twist extensions, instead purchase NATURALLY styled protective styles from afros, kinky curls, coils and wavy that gives a natural look. Liberating again, because people are using natural ingredients, which can save them hundreds of dollars annually due to spending less in the beauty markets on expensive and harsh products.

And yes, being natural can be more labor-intense in terms of spending a lot of time styling and managing your hair especially if your hair is easily-tangled and difficult to manage and everyone can't do a wash ago to achieve a soft curly-wavy look. We all have multiple textures. However, again, being natural can save you $$$. So instead of spending so much on products we can put that $ into savings, retirement savings fund, real-estate, business endeavors, education and other important things. Hey, I'm also getting smarter about spending my $ and teaching my daughter the same. This makes sense in the US economic climate. 

People are getting smarter about how they use their finances and move their money around. NATURAL is popular. Popular natural ingredients and products used for hair, face and all over body are: Shea butter, Nut & Seed butters, Coconut oil, Olive oil, Caster oil, Witch Hazel, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Avocado, Aloe Vera Gel/Juice, Oatmeal, Bananas, Honey, Herbs, and Fruit/Vegetable Extracts. Popular hair styles that can be spotted all over Richmond is: Wash & Go’s, Afro-Kinky & Wavy or Curly Weaves, Senegalese Twist with or without extensions, Twist/Braid Outs, Short & Long Afros, and Locs.