How to Appreciate Yourself More as a Father

01/27/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

You’ve worked hard to provide a comfortable life to your family, your kids and wife adore you, and you are always there to help and encourage your friends and relatives. But do you ever pause and think about yourself? When is the last time you appreciated or took care of yourself? Every day, your wife tells you what a great husband and father you are and your boss is always smiling at you. This indicates that you are doing a great job in every area of your life. Most responsible men do an excellent job of meeting everyone else’s needs but theirs. Today take the time and do something for yourself, not your family or your boss.

father, parenting, fatherhood, parenting, family, life — *Photo by Craog Mckay from* *Pexels*

Buy Yourself a Gift

Probably the only gifts you receive are from your family and close friends but think about gifting yourself. Buy yourself something you love, or go on a vacation or do anything else you’ve always wanted. Don’t feel guilty about spending money or time on your happiness. If you love cars, check out Hyundai Santa Fe for Sale, buy yourself a better car, or great shoe or outfit. Whatever gift would make you happiest, go for it. You don’t have to consult anyone, but let your family know that you gifted yourself. You’ve been working hard, and a little self-appreciation is essential.

Stop Being Harsh On Yourself

You probably had goals and a timeframe, but you haven’t achieved all of them on time. Instead of judging yourself harshly, look at the accomplishments and understand the reasons that hindered your progress. If you wanted to buy a bigger house for your family in five years or start a business but haven’t, there is still time to do it. Maybe you gave yourself little time, or other responsibilities such as the arrival of a baby hindered or slowed down the progress. You can still go back to your goals and work hard to achieve them but most importantly, appreciate yourself for what you accomplish every day. You’ve managed to bring up a happy family, that’s more than enough.

Accept/Receive Appreciation

It’s not easy to accept appreciation. Most times, you feel like you don’t deserve it. If you’ve worked hard and your boss rewarded you with a few days holiday or a complimentary ticket to a destination of your choice, don’t feel guilty spending all that time and money on yourself. If others acknowledge your hard work, internalize the appreciation and believe you deserve it. Don’t brush off a compliment but smile, say thank you and believe you earned it. It will boost your self-worth.

Appreciate Your Life

You are in good physical, financial, emotional and mental health, and you have a happy family living a comfortable life, appreciate that every day. Take time to identify the blessings in your life and be thankful. Play and admire your kids, reflect on the progress you’ve made over the years and even embrace the mistakes because they are learning platforms. Appreciating yourself means you don’t have to wait for others approval or praise. You know your worth and don’t tear yourself down when you make mistakes or take too long to achieve your goals.

Going Healthy, Health, Life

Need Help Keeping Health On The Straight And Narrow? That’s What Friends Are For

01/21/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

In theory, no one knows our health better than us. Hence why, when someone else suggests that something is going on, we often react with outright denial or even annoyance. How dare they assume to know better than you do? Whose body is it anyway!?!

The trouble is that, while we certainly have an inner window into our body’s workings, it’s astounding how often we remain blind to certain issues that our friends and family spot from miles away.

To make sure that you don’t cast your friend’s concerns aside next time they suggest all is not well, consider the following reasons why they might just be in the ideal position to spot health problems that you never could.

health, friends, lifestyle, accountable — Image from Pexels: CC0 License

They’re objective

Objectivity is often key, especially where health is concerned. When we have a personal investment, we often either overlook or underestimate escalating issues. In some cases, this can be because we’re afraid of what symptoms mean, or embarrassed by the pain-based mood swings that we swear aren’t happening. And, of course, we’re sometimes just so busy that we overlook issues entirely.

Our friends can overcome these setbacks to see your health concerns with their eyes wide open. They have no reason to deny or overlook, and they’re surely more observant of you than you are of yourself sometimes. Thus, they’re actually in the ideal position to make you aware of the things that have been going wrong with your body right in front of your eyes.

They’re more likely to pick up subtle changes

Along roughly the same lines, our friends and family are also in the best position to pick up subtle changes that we would simply never notice otherwise. For example, loved ones are best able to spot issues such as gradual weight loss that’s escaped our attention. Equally, family members are best placed to pick up on progressive hearing issues caused by acute tinnitus and the like. Yet, much like when you fail to notice a baby growing because you’re with them every day, you’d probably struggle to pick up on the same subtle changes.

They care

Nobody should care for our health more than ourselves, but that’s rarely the case. In fact, even if you have the best of intentions, the chances are that don’t always treat your body well. Health complaints and the limitations they bring can cause us to be especially unkind to ourselves, pushing well past the point that we probably should.

By comparison, the other people in our lives may well care much more, or at least be better able to show it, that we look after ourselves. As such, they can be in the best position to push us into booking that hearing or dental checkup, as well as holding us accountable for what we eat, and whether we exercise.

We understand feeling frustrated when people try to tell you what’s what with your health. But, next time that your loved ones speak out about their concerns, you may well benefit from listening.

Life

9 Signs of Human Trafficking and What to Do if You Spot It

01/21/2021 R.C. Liley Leave a comment

Human trafficking is a real problem throughout the world. It destroys a countless number of lives and families. When a person is forced to perform sex acts against their will, they are victims of sex trafficking. Perhaps you’ve wondered what you can do about this global issue or asked, “What can I do to be more aware of trafficking, and what do I do if I suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking?” Here are some warning signs to look out for and what you can do about it.

1. A Controlling Adult

This person can be a “sponsor,” guardian or any other title. The victim will rarely be alone and will say very little when their handler is around. This person also monitors the victim’s communications, spending and whereabouts. You can offer to reach out to a sex crime lawyer on their behalf.

2. Works in the Sex Industry

Everyone who works in the sex industry is not a victim, but those who are in this industry are more likely to be a victim of sex crimes. It is much easier for these individuals to be pressured into performing sex acts.

3. Owe Money to an Employer

Victims of labor trafficking sometimes owe money to their employer because the employer is exploiting the victim. Oftentimes victims are underpaid and not paid the wages they were promised.

4. Work in Isolated and Dangerous Conditions

Laborers who are isolated from their support system are more easily exploited. Not only are working conditions dangerous, victims do not have the proper safety equipment to do the job and living conditions are often deplorable. You can report this to the National Human Trafficking hotline.

5. Express a Want to Leave Sex Industry

Strippers, prostitutes and other sex workers that disclose to you that they would like to quit the sex business but don’t think they can for fear of retaliation or losing their life could be a trafficking victim.

6. No Control Over Their Identifying Documents

If someone doesn’t have control of their ID, passport or visa, they may be a victim. Traffickers will remove identification from their victims to make their escape difficult and as a way to coerce them into illegal activities.

7. Signs of Physical Abuse

Far too often trafficking victims are physically abused. Their traffickers aren’t concerned about a victim’s well being, and abuse is a tool used to keep victims in line. If you notice bruises or other abrasions, ask if they need help. If they do, you can notify local law enforcement.

8. Scripted Responses

When conversation seems rehearsed and unnatural, there may be a problem. Victims are instructed to attract as little attention to themselves for a reason. That’s why knowing what to say is important to victimization.

9. Underage Prostitute

Minors who are in the sex industry are victims of trafficking according to the law. So if you spot an underage prostitute there is definitely trouble afoot.

If you come across a person you think is benign trafficked, you can call the NCMEC, notify law enforcement or contact an attorney. You are not powerless in this fight.