My 40 Day Fast Kickoff!

 

Some people may wonder," What is she up to now? What motivated a 40 day fast?" The answer isn't a simple one. It isn't just one thing. It's really a culmination of events that led up to it. Here is how I was motivated, and then how I plan to implement it.

 1) I have been working on a spiritual themed book I'm writing. It seems to always get pushed to the background, or sometimes I become unsure of myself and avoid it altogether. I needed to find the time? Where was it? I realized I spend a great deal of time on social media because I am a social person ( Well, kind of) I consider myself an introverted extrovert. (Someday I will explain). So maybe some kind of social media break would jump-start my writing. What would be my excuse then???? I hope I don't find another one. Yikes!!!!

 2) As I was considering the idea recently of giving up social media so I could write more, I came across this great article. It is geared to my Latter Day Saint friends, yet has great suggestions for any faith. I found it  was so helpful at sparking the idea of a fast. Mormons fast the first Sunday of every month and give the money from those meals to the poor through a fast offering. Similarly to Lent, we renew our covenants every Sunday to live devoutly when we take the sacrament and repent. It wasn't that I wasn't aware of fasting, or giving up vices, I just had never done it like this. So my heart reeled with eagerness..."Yes, Let's do this!" I chose from one of the option's given in the article of giving up Facebook for 40 Days. From what I understand you don't just give up a vice or distraction, you must replace it with good works. Something to fill that void. That's where writing my book filled the emptiness perfectly.  I also saw a challenge Russel M. Nelson recently gave in a talk that would help me grow closer to my Savior during this time of writing. I will study my scriptures the way he advises, and this is all starting to fit neatly together, like a carefully configured puzzle.This will help me in a spiritual aspect. Here are the 2 article links if you want to check it out!  

 

  6 Ways Mormons Can Enjoy the Spirit of Lent 

  I Studied More Than 2,200 Scriptures about the Savior in Six Weeks: 

 

 3) To take on a huge project like writing devotedly, I have to have physical energy. I have had multiple issues with energy since suffering from a accident and injury a few years ago. I fight muscle pain, tenderness, and exhaustion daily. To sit at a computer an write is difficult and must be done in short spurts of time to avoid aggravating my injury.It breaks my heart this has taken such a toll on my love of writing. So I discovered that there are many ways to improve energy. One is to eat less sugar. The topic has been written about all the time. The drain sugar is on our whole well being. I will admit with no reservation what so ever I am addicted to sugar. I am very familiar with vices, and how difficult they are to give up. I also know it would change my life to have more energy. So I decided to add the element of reducing refined sugar during my 40 day fast. This is not the main focus of my fast, it just feels like the right time to try it. This will help me in a physical aspect. Here a couple of links to help kick the sugar habit! 

                   

                                                                                                                       Photo, Roberto Caruso.    

The 7-day plan to help kick your sugar habit

I Quit Sugar

 

4) The next distraction I have had writing is all the clutter in my life. I recently have taken an interest in the past year looking into the minimalist lifestyle. I have to admit going completely stream lined minimalist is too much for me. The idea is intriguing. I think less stuff is less hassle, less distraction, more freedom. There is a sense of abundance that can come from keeping just what you love. I have been following the 333 Project for a few years. I love it! Then I watched the movie The Minimalist on Netflix. The next day The 40 Bags in 40 Days popped up in my Facebook feed. I clicked on it. I was sold!!! I am already using my 40 days fast as a time to focus on improvement, and this seemed simple enough to do in a short period of time. I will get more mental clarity for writing, and guilt free feeling of purposefulness by de-cluttering, so I can spend time writing my book with a clear conscious and a clear home. I am filling out the worksheet from the 40 Bags website to plan my de-cluttering work.This will help me in the mental aspect. Here are the links if you want to join in!

40 Bags in 40 Days De-cluttering Challenge

40 bags in 40 Days Printable

 

 

 

So that brings me to tonight...This is the Eve before the fast. For some it is it is part of Marti-Gras, I think some call it "Fat Tuesday" or Shrove "Pancake Day". I guess I will go have my last sugary stack of pancakes drizzled in butter, finish my de-clutter planning sheet and pull out the garbage bags for clutter, set up my scripture study corner, sharpen my pencils and put up my Facebook Fast Cover Picture. I will not be logging into Facebook from Ash Wednesday until Palm Sunday. I will however be blogging about how my fast is going to make myself have some accountability. So my blog posts will be automatically uploaded to Facebook without me logging in so I don't break my fast. I will miss all my interaction on Facebook so much. I think I am even going to miss the birth of the baby giraffe. Boo hoo!I know sacrifice brings forth blessings. Am I ready for this challenge???? You bet I am!!!!

 

 

    The Joyful Life

       Designer

      Life Coach 

                     
               

 TheEmpoweringGift@gmail.com

 

5 Incredibly Easy Ways to Feel Joy!

What Do you Want?

If you do just one thing differently,Change the way you talk to yourself. Words matter and have a very important impact on our mood, our confidence, and how others perceive us. Instead of saying, “I don’t want this belly fat,” say, “I want to feel sexy in my new one-piece!” Instead of saying, “I don’t want to be late,” say, “I want to be relaxed and on time.” You get the idea. Always think and visualize what you want. The shift is remarkable.

 Just Ask

This is a superpower. Whether it’s a better table at a diner or the rates for different home improvement, asking for what I want ensures I have opened up opportunity.Don't suppress your positive wants, it will weaken you. Honor yourself by asking for what you want—and deserve.

Have a Memory Party

Look back at all the the things you have been through. How far you have come. just look at you, your doing great! Your here, your looking for positive motivation, you have conquered so much. The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.

You have to Ingest Something Motivational or Positive

Scriptures, Spiritually uplifting, self help books, educational podcasts, inspirational blog posts you need it, We live in a very negative world. If we are to root out our negative vibes we have to replace them with joyful alternatives. Don't miss a day. you will feel it

Let Yourself Be Happy

"One of my favorite books is Bronnie Ware’s international bestseller The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. Ware was a hospice nurse for several years and cared for patients in the last few weeks of their lives. According to her book, one of the most common deathbed regrets was, “I wish I let myself be happier.” Ware says, “Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice.”
It sure is." Via Susie Moore

    The Joyful Life

       Designer

      Life Coach 

                            Tiffany King 

  TheEmpoweringGift@gmail.com  

How To Slay Your Winged Eye Liner!

One of the questions I get from clients in the cosmetic world is "How do I do a Winged eye with eyeliner?" We all want wings, It's the angel in us. It is a throwback from silver screen days. It made its debut as early as Cleopatra, was a hit with 50's housewives and went on a wild ride through the 60's . Now like all styles it's made its trip around again to 2017. It is flattering and beautiful. Here's some easy tips how to practice getting it just right.

 

Just make 3-4 small strokes along your eyelids and blend them together. Alternatively, try lining your eyes with little dots first, and then connect them.

    © cariocainlondon  
                                                                                               


 
When you want that bold winged look, it is important that you draw the lines in first and then color them in. Just draw in the wing at the outside corner of your eye and then use the same eye liner to fill it in. This not only helps you to get cleaner lines, it helps your wings to stay in place much longer.


                                                                  Via – weheartit

 This pictorial is really good for beginners. It's from a Blogger in Finland. She makes it look like a breeze. The truth is, it really takes practice. There are a ton of examples on Pintrest. Also YouTube videos to see it done live. Remember both sides will never look exactly alike. Your wings are sisters not twins.


                                                            

 Eyeliner-tutorial

 I really like Tutorial the below, it shows a variety of techniques:

10 Tricks for Perfect Winged Eyeliner

 

    The Joyful Life

       Designer

      Life Coach 

                       Tiffany King 

        TheEmpoweringGift@gmail.com  

                                                                                                                                                                                  

10 Powerful Ways to Identify Human Trafficking, and Rescue Slavery Victims!

Trafficking is not just an issue that happens to people in other countries. The United States is a source and transit country, and is also considered one of the top destination points for victims of child trafficking and exploitation. Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 U.S. States; anyone can be trafficked regardless of race, class, education, gender, age, or citizenship when forcefully coerced or enticed by false promises.Child victims of trafficking are recruited, transported, transferred, harbored or received for the purpose of exploitation. They may be forced to work in sweatshops, on construction sites or in houses as domestic servants; on the streets as child beggars, in wars as child soldiers, on farms, in traveling sales crews or in restaurants and hotels. Some are forced to work in brothels and strip clubs or for escort and massage services. Slavery has many forms and names, but it’s still slavery. And it’s still wrong. Can you imagine being forced to work without pay, trapped, unable to walk away, subject to violence or the threat of violence, by another person as they control you? Own you? Isolated, yet hidden in plain sight. This is reality for those trapped in slavery today. Slavery is illegal in every single country in the world. Yet it still exists. Many labor victims don’t know they’re victims. They’re told they owe debt and have to work to pay it off.

“If a trafficker says you have to pay a debt, in the U.S., that's peonage [debt slavery]. That’s illegal,You can’t be forced to pay a debt through labor.

According to the recent USD trafficking report, local gangs are seeing sex slavery as a bigger money maker than drugs. The study estimates pimps make nearly $600,000 a year.

Stephan said common areas for sex trafficking recruitment include malls, high schools, trolley and bus stops. Local experts said this is happening all throughout the county and pimps especially target at-risk children and runaways.

The First thing you can do to help is become informed: Here is a list of ways you can help.

1. BE INFORMED

To spot a potential victim, you should look to see if she’s looking down and not making eye contact, and if there’s an older male with her and you say ‘Hello,’ and she doesn’t respond. Tattooing or branding. Anything with a money symbol.  When it comes to trafficking, perception is usually not reality. You don’t always see chains and shackles. Often, the chains are psychological.If you see a potential trafficking situation and you believe it’s an emergency, don’t hesitate to call 911.

COMMON SITUATIONS OF CHILD TRAFFICKING

Strip clubs, exotic dancing, pornography
Begging Online ads, chat services and porn sites Escort or dating services Domestic labor (housecleaning, childcare, elderly care)Restaurants or bars The street Factories, sweatshops, or agricultural work Businesses such as hotel/motels, massage parlors, nail salons

Common Work and Living Conditions: The individual(s) in question

• Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes
• Is under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts
• Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp / manager
• Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips
• Works excessively long and/or unusual hours
• Is not allowed breaks or suffers under unusual restrictions at work
• Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off
• Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work
• High security measures exist in the work and/or living locations (e.g. opaque windows, boarded up windows, bars on windows, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.)

Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior

• Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid
• Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement
• Avoids eye contact

Poor Physical Health

• Lacks health care
• Appears malnourished
• Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture

Lack of Control

• Has few or no personal possessions
• Is not in control of his/her own money, no financial records, or bank account
• Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport)
• Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)

Other

• Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where he/she is staying/address
• Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or do not know what city he/she is in
• Loss of sense of time
• Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story
•  

    POTENTIAL RED FLAGS

    Is under 18 years old and performs commercial sex acts

    Is excessively monitored or controlled by parents, a supposed guardian or older partner or “sponsor” who claims to provide for their upbringing and needs, or who insists on speaking for them or being present at all time

    Is unable to give answers about their schedules or living and work locations/conditions; appears to possibly work and live in the same building or location

    Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story; contradictory personal information (age, place of birth, family life)

    Has excessive security measures at his/her home or work (i.e., security cameras, boarded or covered windows); constant traffic of men at his/her home or work location

     Noticeable change in dress, jewelry, hair or nails without explainable source of income

    Shows signs of physical or sexual abuse (bruises, cuts, burns, submissiveness, jumpy, malnourishment); appears fearful, anxious, depressed, overly submissive, and avoids eye contact

    

    Suffers from substance abuse problems (alcohol and/or drugs), an array of other psychological disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, or chronic illnesses

    Carries multiple hotel key cards, lots of money, sharp objects (weapons)

    Sudden presence of an older boyfriend

    Tattoo with a name that is not their own; or that he/she is reluctant to explain

This list is not exhaustive and represents only a selection of possible indicators. Also, the red flags in this list may not be present in all trafficking cases and are not cumulative. Learn more at

2. Report Trafficking 

 

1.888.3737.888
ADD THIS NUMBER TO YOUR CELL

 Just as “it takes a village to raise a child,” it takes a community that’s aware and looking out for its children to keep them protected from child trafficking and exploitation. Be informed and watch out for the children in your community:
Are you or someone you know being trafficked? Is human trafficking happening in your community? Recognizing potential red flags and knowing the indicators of human trafficking is a key step in identifying more victims and helping them find the assistance they need.
To request help or report suspected human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Or text HELP to: BeFree (233733).

3. Sign A Petition

http://freedomcommons.ijm.org/action-alert/end-slavery-put-your-name-line?_ga=1.56908394.1176019971.1486135244

 

4. Learn About Statistics

5. Get Some Tools

 https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/publications.html#Tools

 

 

 Join a Cause:  End It Movement

6. See The Joy you can bring somebody by being Rescued

 

HOW ZOE RESCUES CHILDREN FROM TRAFFICKERS

Liliana's Story - Human Trafficking

Somaly Mam A Hero of Amazing Grace

Ashton Kutcher Near TEARS in EMOTIONAL  Opening Testimony at Hearing on Human Trafficking 

 

7. Sponsor a Child 

 ZOE

samaritans purse

global modern slavery

8. Be a conscientious and informed consumer.

 Discover your slavery footprint, ask who picked your tomatoes or made your clothes, or check out the Department of Labor’s List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor. Encourage companies to take steps to investigate and prevent human trafficking in their supply chains and publish the information for consumer awareness. Do not support Pornography which drives the human trafficking business.

 

9. Encourage your local schools to partner with students and include modern slavery in their curricula. As a parent, educator, or school administrator, be aware of how traffickers target school-aged children.  

10. Meet with and/or write to your local, state, and federal government representatives 

to let them know you care about combating human trafficking, and ask what they are doing to address it.

Can You Live Mindfully And Plan For Eternity At The Same Time?

  Some of the best advice I have ever encountered on my journey to discover Joy in my life, is to be present. Living in the moment, keeping my mind focused on now, being mindful of people, places, and things around me right now, has made life materialize in such a Joyful way for me. The idea of living in the moment is not new. Many religions and philosophies teach it. What I discovered was mindfulness can cure depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, and doubt. It can help one connect with others in a real and meaningful way. When I wake up and rub  the sunshine streaming through my window from eyes, and actually stop and see the beauty of the morning light, the day feels welcoming. I am mindful of my minty toothpaste, how it feels cool and refreshing, I can feel the clean smoothness of my tongue caressing over freshly brushed teeth. I feel so thankful for my teeth. Into a hot shower, I feel the warmth of the water rinsing away tightness in my aching back, as it warms my skin like the sunshine feels, when I nap out on a sunny beach. I experience the juiciness of biting into an orange for breakfast, feeling the drips wet my chin, as I savor the sweetness that reminds me how delicious life can be. 
     This focus on the moment, on life and experiences, keeps me from regretting the past, fearing the future, and obsessing on what others think about me, and my level of production. It even works better when applied to being present with someone. Really listening to their heart not their words. Not projecting what we think they are thinking. Not guessing how they feel about us.  Not pretending we are mind reader's. Not feeling compelled to push our will on their experience. Letting somebody express their reality and agency, and not feeling the urgency to control or conform it. The only difficulty I had found with such mindful living, was how to incorporate goals for the future, or eternal perspective, and the Plan of Happiness into this train of thought. If I am living in the moment, does that mean I'm not planning for eternity? It reminds me of the words "Eat, drink and be merry , for tomorrow we shall die." That is not exactly the kind of living in the moment I am referring to. Mindfulness is just about letting go of fear. Focusing on the gratefulness of who, what, and where we are in life. It's about loving your fellowman right now in this moment with full attention, not with thoughts wandering off, or planning a response.

      My hubby once told me he loved his dear Aunt Lettie, when she talked to you, she made you feel like the only person that existed in the whole world. She intently listened and acknowledged his thoughts and asked sincere, prodding questions. He felt so loved by her. I also remember a story he told me once about a seminar he attended, where they went around the room and introduced themselves. Then they would take turns walking around the circle meeting everyone. If they could not remember their name, they would have to say, "I'm sorry I did not care enough about you to remember your name." Wow! Powerful lesson. You would have to ask yourself, why did I remember one person's name over another? Why did I care to remember one and not another. Why was I attentive to one over another? Where was my mind wandering when they introduced themselves? Was I present, or somewhere else? Of coarse nobody could have remembered all the names. It just demonstrates that when we meet people we need to be mindful, fully aware, treating them like they are the only person who exists at that moment. That to me, is loving my fellowman. I by no means have acquired this skill...It's my aspiration to. There is no greater way to prepare for eternity, live our goals, and partake of the Plan of Happiness, then to learn that the focus of each moment, done in mindfulness, love, attention, and gratefulness, will take you billions of years into light.... rather than ruminating over being perfect, or worrying about failing all the time. You are a divine being with a divine purpose. You weren't designed nor created to fail. You were sent here to discover this whole journey, this whole becoming, is really just a path back home to your divine destiny. The mystery of having Joy in this life is to not to fight the opposition in all things, which is necessary for you to learn the difference between the good and the evil. Remember, this is how our Father learned. What we can do is accept the will of the Creator, and discover you are exactly where you need to be, to learn the lessons you came to learn. The answer then, is a resounding "Yes!" You can live in the moment, be mindful, let go of anxiety and worry, and still be partaking of The Plan of Happiness, walking your road into the Eternity's.

    The Joyful Life

       Designer

      Life Coach 

                       Tiffany King 

        TheEmpoweringGift@gmail.com  

Rain, Doctors, and Seedlings...My Day in a Nutshell!

 It's raining today. So I was unable to get back out in the garden today. Lily-Bug and I were able to get a lot done yesterday. I'll post pics soon.  It is still excellent news that we have a rain day,  the rain is softening the ground which will help getting the soil ready a great advantage. I wasn't feeling so well yesterday and today it has took a turn for the worst. I hope it's not strep throat. So off to the Doctor I go. In the meantime I promised a post on gardening so what better way to start than these tips that help your seedling's start to sprout.

 Give Your Seedlings a Head Start

Plants are similar to children in that you have to give them lots of attention early on so they achieve optimum health and maturity later. At the germination and seedling stages, plants need proper amounts of nutrition, light, warmth and oxygen. This enables them to develop the strong roots, thick stems and dark green leaves that will produce an abundance of quality flowers and vegetables. A healthy start is essential.

Use the Correct Seed Starting Soil Medium

Soil preparation is one of the most important ingredients in growing strong plants. At the most basic level, the best medium for germination and seed starting is one that provides excellent nutrition, good drainage and good moisture retention. A sterile soil with amendments or a soil-free mixture is recommended for most seed starting.
It is possible to use soil directly from your garden for a growing medium, but it might contain fungus, insects or weed seeds that could sabotage germination or kill young plants. To stop this, you can sterilize your soil by heating it in the oven for a half hour at 250 degrees. Garden soil also has a tendency to be too dense. What you really want is a medium that is loose and aerated for strong root development. If you plan to use garden soil, add peat moss plus sand or vermiculite for aeration and water retention.
Soil-less mixes are readily available at garden centers. Most of them consist predominantly of sphagnum peat moss with bark, coir, perlite, vermiculite and maybe some traces of nutrients. Since peat is generally very acidic, you might want to consider adding a bit of lime to help neutralize the mix.
The bottom line on the soil medium, however, is to choose the mixture that is most ideal for the seeds you’re germinating. Read the seed label carefully, not just for soil type, but for PH level, nutrient, light and water recommendations.

Warm the Soil for Starting Seeds

Seeds don’t always need light for germination, but they do need warm, moist soil. For most seeds, soil temperature should be a consistent 75 degrees. This can be achieved by placing seed trays near a heater, or on top of a refrigerator. You can also use special seedling heat mats, purchased from the store, which have a thermostat to create an even flow of heat throughout the germination period. Once you see sprouts, however, you should immediately move them away from the heat to keep the plants from growing too fast and leggy.

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Soak Seeds for Faster Germination

Most seeds germinate with ease, while others require some coaxing. To speed up the germination of seeds that are old or have a poor germination rate, you can try soaking them.

1. Scratch the surface of the seeds with a sharp knife, a pin or a piece of sandpaper. This will allow them to soak up water more quickly.
2. Place the seeds in a shallow pan or bowl of water that is warm, but not too hot, to the touch.
3. Add a drop of liquid dish detergent which helps to reduce the surface tension of the water, allowing it to penetrate the seeds even more quickly.
4. Soak the seeds overnight.
5. Plant the seeds in your potting medium right away or keep them on a damp paper towel until you’re ready.

With this method, it’s possible to reduce the germination period from a couple of weeks to a matter of days.

Pre-Sprouting Seeds

Seeds can also be pre-sprouted, or chitted, to hasten germination and help you determine the quality of your seeds.

1. Mist a sheet of paper towel with a spray bottle of water, until it is slightly damp.
2. Sprinkle seeds on one side of the sheet in a single layer. It doesn’t matter if they touch one another.
3. Fold the paper towel over the seeds.
4. Place the paper towel into a plastic bag, but do not close the bag.
5. Mist the paper towel again until it is damp, but not soaking wet. Keep the paper towel damp until the seeds sprout.
6. While waiting for germination, keep the plastic bag in a warm spot, about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. When most of the seeds have sprouted, transplant them into pots or directly into the ground.

Want to learn more about giving seedlings a head start?

See these helpful resources:
Plant Propagation from University of Arizona Extension
Propagating Plants from Seed from Pacific Northwest Extension

     The Joyful Life

       Designer

      Life Coach 

                                           Tiffany King 

         TheEmpoweringGift@gmail.com  

Attribution Via @The Gardening Chanel

Through It All...

https://youtu.be/ZN72CBh-INA