Catching Pokémoncan be exhausting these days. At time of publication, there are more than 1,000 different species of the fictional monsters. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet don’t contain the full National Pokédex, but the base game has 400 Pokémon and hundreds more when you count additional monsters added in the DLC. Even when trying to complete the reduced Pokédex, the process of collecting creatures can be a slog. Now, playing Palworld, I can breathe a sigh of relief. For the first time in a long time, it feels I can finally “catch ’em all,” with under 150 Pals in the game.
Palworldis a hit game from Japanese indie studio Pocketpair. Before it came out, many described it as “Pokémon with guns.” Now that the developer has released it in early access, it’s clear that the game goes well beyond just Pokémon influences. It has climbing and exploration reminiscent ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and mechanics common to survival games. However, one way that it is like Pokémon is its incorporation of creatures called Pals. As you explore its world, you can catch the cartoony monsters and register them to a digital encyclopedia called a Paldeck, similar to the Pokédex.
My Paldeck contains 111 Pals (although there are alternate forms and might be more). Just from a numerical standpoint, that’s way fewer than Pokémon. There’s no need to robotically cycle through hundreds of battles to fill up the Pokédex like in a modern Pokémon game. On top of that, there are no “version exclusives” in Palworld. Every copy of the game contains every Pal, so it’s actually possible to find and catch every single monster without needing another player or setting up trades outside the game.
If you do have friends who are playing, well, that’s helpful to the collecting process, too. While Pokémon does have multiplayer functionality, the online co-op in Palworld better supports playing the entirely of the game with friends from start to finish. Features like guilds allow you to group up with friends and share Pals easily on your settlement. These Pals won’t be registered as “caught” in your Paldeck, but it allows you to see more Pals and get an idea of which Pals you need to catch.
Image: Pocketpair
Catching all the Pokémonobviously isn’t impossible — loads of people do it — and I get why it appeals to certain players. The repetitive nature of catching Pokémonafter Pokémoncan almost be relaxing, but it’s a massive time commitment. You have to fight and catch each and every one of them,and some require unique rituals to evolve them. For others, you might need to trade to get version exclusives and train Pokémonto prepare for challenging fights to catch stronger monsters. In the recent Scarlet and Violet DLC, you even have to grind in-game points to unlock the appearances of certain Pokémon in the wild.
Don’t get me wrong — Palworld still contains its fair share of monster-catching grind. Depending on how common each creature is, you might catch up to 10 copies of each just to grind out the needed experience points to unlock items. You likely won’t just speed through collecting the Paldeck in a sitting or two. Barriers to exploration like your level or what kinds of Pal spheres you use will guide your overall journey. But so far, I have enjoyed the slow, meandering process of gradually exploring and discovering the Pals one by one to fill up my Paldeck in its entirety. At this rate, I might just catch ’em all.
Juliet and Amanda kick off the week by breaking down their thoughts, feelings, and questions about the Jennifer Lopez documentary coming to Prime Video in February after watching the new trailer (1:00). Then they talk about the new Mean Girls musical movie remake with Reneé Rapp playing Regina George, as well as Reneé Rapp’s unfiltered public persona (14:00), Josh Radnor’s outdoor January wedding (29:53), the 21st Living Legends of Aviation Awards (37:19), and more!
Hosts: Juliet Litman and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Sasha Ashall and Jade Whaley
The gardener must at times give plants protection against too intense light and against excessively high temperatures.
Damage from intense light is most likely to occur when naturally shade loving plants are exposed to direct, strong sunshine; when sun loving plants, comparatively soft and tender from being grown in a greenhouse or cold frame, are transferred outdoors; and after plants are transplanted. The trunks of trees that have been growing closely together in woodland or nursery may be damaged by sunscald on their south facing sides following their transference to sunnier locations; by heavy pruning, branches previously shaded by foliage may be exposed to sunshine sufficiently strong to sunscald them. Damage by sun occurs not only in summer; in winter, when the ground is frozen, evergreens, especially, are likely to suffer from this.
The provision of shade is the obvious method of avoiding damage by light that is too intense. Shade needing plants should be grown in naturally shaded areas, such as woodland, under solitary trees or groups of trees, and areas shaded by high walls or buildings or in locations artificially shaded by lath houses, lath or burlap screens or other appropriate means.
The trunks of trees may, with advantage, be wrapped in burlap or in special tree wrapping
paper for a season or two following transplanting. When annuals, vegetables, young biennials and perennials are set out in hot sunny weather they should be shaded for a few days following the transplanting operation.
Not a great deal can be done to lower summer temperatures; but in every garden some locations are noticeably warmer than others. At the base of a south facing wall, for example, the temperature is very noticeably higher than at the base of a north facing wall; it is likely to be cooler near a pool or other body of water than elsewhere; parts of the garden that receive reflected heat from walls and pavements are warmer than those where plants grow alone in more open areas; in enclosed, “pocketed” spaces temperatures are higher than in more open locations through which breezes blow; and in the shade it is always much cooler than in the sun.
In selecting locations for plants known to prefer cool summer conditions, all these factors should be borne in mind. It should also be remembered that moisture has a cooling effect, and so plants should not be permitted to suffer from lack of water during dry weather.
As a temporary measure, shading may be used to offset some of the ill effects of temperatures that are too high. Spraying the foliage lightly with water lowers its temperature somewhat and has a refreshing effect on plants.
Many plants Clematis and Lilies, for example can withstand high atmospheric temperatures, provided the soil is kept reasonably cool and moist. In really hot weather an even temperature at the roots and a steady supply of water go far to ensure success with a great many kinds of plants, especially those that are surface rooters such as Azaleas, Blueberries and Rhododendrons. Summer mulching is an excellent garden practice designed to conserve moisture and keep the soil temperature moderate and even.
Love makes the world go round – or so they say. It seems some people have terrible luck in attracting people. The good news is while people get stuck in a routine of behavior, you can work to delve habits to better attract and engage people. Her are the best New Year’s resolutions to help find love.
Smile
This may sound super cheesy, but it could actually help you land more dates. According to a study, researchers found that those whose resting faces seemed cheerful were judged as being healthier. Alex Jones, an expert in facial perception, wrote in The Conversation that:
“We discovered that faces look healthier when they are smiling, compared to a neutral expression, and that it doesn’t matter whether the faces are male or female. We also found that this effect increased with the age of the face: while younger adults look healthier when they smile, older adults look much healthier.
Photo by rawpixel.com
A smile was a more important cue than how old the face appeared to be, and more recent research has shown a happy expression is even more important than cues like adiposity or skin colouration. Scientific proof that a smile really is the best accessory.”
Be Kind
Kindness, compassion, and empathy are essential to forming deep connections with other people. In fact, this trait was key to our survival as a species. Humans’ ability to form long-term social bonds contributed greatly to our evolution and success as a group. Kindness does not have to be a grand gesture. Often, you can demonstrate kindness for others simply by being conscious of those around you and treating others with respect. Do small things like opening doors for others or greeting people with a smile.
According to Jones, smiling basically sends a message to others that you’ll live a longer and healthier life by virtue of being optimistic and cheerful.
Set realistic goals
Instead of aiming for marriage, how about setting smaller, more attainable goals, like going on two dates per week or striking up a conversation with 5 people this month? As you cross these stepping stones, the larger goals will seem more doable.
Get out of your comfort zone
Swipe right on someone you may not otherwise consider. Just because someone is short, bald or a little out of shape doesn’t mean they aren’t worth your time. If nothing else, it’ll get you out of the house and into dating mode. Plus, your self confidence is likely to get a boost.
Did that first date not go so well? Don’t sweat it. Writing someone off after a single date could be a big reason why you’re still single. David Vermeulen, founder of elite dating app The Inner Circle, told INSIDER: “Some people are really uncomfortable the first time they see somebody. You have to sell yourself in a way. Some people can do it really well, and some people can’t, but at the same time they’re obviously a nice person.”
Vermeulen says unless the first date was a complete disaster, you should give someone a second shot at romance.
‘Tis the season for all things merry and bright! And Austin Subaru’s Share the Love campaign fits right into that aesthetic. A fundraiser that supports pets in need makes the staff, volunteers and pets of APA! so merry because it helps ensure a bright year ahead for our lifesaving programs.
I look at Janissa and Karla on my screen. Their mouths are tense, they avoid eye contact, and when I ask what is causing their distress they say “We ‘re dreading the holidays. We end up bickering at best and not speaking to each other at worst”. The other couples in the group nod in agreement. Turns out it’s the most wonderful time of the year (cue the jingle bells and singing elves) – except for the potential negative impact on your relationship.
When I ask the couples in my online program how they bring romance, togetherness and even spice to their holiday season, it becomes a silent night. And this holiday distress is commonly reported – no matter what you celebrate or how you celebrate it.
In this video, I talk about the common stresses and disappointments that can occur during this busy time and what to do about it. Plus, I share some romantic date ideas to help you create some new rituals of connection and make this holiday season sexy.
I’ve always loved the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Grinch is an angry, isolated misanthrope who hates all the fuss, decorations, family and feasting that come with the holidays. Most of all, he hates the noise. So he vows to steal the gifts, the lights, and even the feast – so he can have some peace and quiet.
Does this sound a little bit familiar?
Now while you may not be ready to wipe out the holiday season altogether, there are some common complaints couples report.
Common Stressors During the Holiday Season
Issues with extended family Holiday commercials show happy, loving, multigenerational families gathered around a perfectly laid table. In reality, we know that families come with histories. All too often a lovely night is strained – or worse – by old unresolved issues. This can create problems between you and your partner – particularly when the issue is about the in-laws.
Issues around money Several couples in my group admitted they fight about finances this time of year. Genoa says “I love to find special gifts for our family and friends, host our neighbors for a cocktail and appetizer party and rent the skating rink for my kids elementary class. But since I’ve married Pierre I feel like he nickel and dimes my traditions to death” Her partner shares “For the rest of the year, we respect the budget we’ve co-created. But in December? She spends three times what we can afford. And then I am the bad guy for suggesting we scale back this year”
Issues with doing too much and unrealistic expectations Another theme that emerges in the group is exhaustion and anxiety. Terry says “Every year my wife exhausts herself and I end up with the grumpy shell of the woman I love. I’ve begged her to start saying no, but she wants everyone to be happy. It sometimes feels like everyone else is happy, but we are not”. Others share how they often feel sad and disappointed that the holidays do not live up to their expectations.
All too often couples neglect their romantic relationship over the holidays. But I aim to turn that unwholesome pattern on its head. I encourage couples to use the holidays as a beautiful reminder to show up with love for their partner, to cherish them and find ways to light them up. So to prevent you from being a relationship Grinch, here are some ideas to help you put some romance, and spice into your holiday celebrations this year.
Create New Rituals of Connection to Make This Holiday Season Sexy
The Story of Us
Take a trip down memory lane. Share memories of your first holiday season together – did you meet your sweetie’s family for the first time? Did you agonize over the perfect gift or celebration? Then share memories from your best holiday season, your worst, your most busy and your most quiet …you get the idea. Use your smartphone and old-fashioned photo albums to help you remember.
Holiday Movie Night
Whether it’s the Grinch stealing Christmas, Bruce Willis kicking butt in Die Hard, or Love Actually, choose a holiday movie you will both enjoy. Or, make it two movies – one choice each. Prepare holiday snacks and beverages, turn off all distractions, and cuddle while you watch. Bonus points? Give each other a foot massage.
Attend a Live Holiday Performance
Perhaps a choir, a play, a holiday themed live band show, or even your granddaughters school holiday concert? This year, my hubby and I have tickets to a holiday performance of the Vancouver gay men’s chorus and to a puppet interpretation of The Christmas Carol. Bonus points? Hold hands, kiss during intermission, and go for dessert afterwards and talk about some of the highlights of this last year together.
The Sexy Stocking Challenge
Create a romantic and sexy stocking or gift bag. Then over the next few weeks, each of you “secretly” slip little notes, gifts, memories, special words or secrets you share, gratitude’s, old photos or memorabilia – anything that reminds you of the love you have shared over the years. Make sure to include a sexy element – perhaps a spicy game (I love truth or dare cards), some high quality lubricant, or a special toy from Santa’s adult workshop. Open these together on Christmas morning or Hannukah or at a time that has meaning to you.
Say What You Mean
Write a love letter. It does not have to be long, and it does not have to be Shakespeare. But the power of the written word is hard to beat. Tell your beloved what they mean to you, what you appreciate, and why you choose them all over again. You can pop it into your sexy stocking or share at any time you choose… Bonus Points for going on a date and sharing your letters over a romantic meal – or sharing it while naked in bed.
Give the Gift of Giving
The most beautiful part of the holiday season is practicing generosity for others – not just those we hold dear, but those who perhaps have no-one holding them dear. Some ideas – Your local church, synagogue, mosque or non profit group likely have names of families in need. Create a food and gifts hamper. Volunteer together at fundraiser or serving a holiday meal. Gather up your extra coats and take them to those in need. Choose a cause you have not supported before and give a donation.
Prioritize Your Relationship
In the end, how we feel during the holidays is up to you. I encourage you to examine what is serving you well and what is not – and to redesign the next few weeks so they align with your top priorities. And I know your romantic relationship is a big priority. So don’t take your partner for granted.
Remember how much effort you put into romancing and wooing them during your first holiday season together. And then vow to do it again this year. Perhaps, just like the Grinch, you will see through all the fancy trappings and discover that true joy lies in simply having a hand to hold. When we remember what really matters, our hearts can grow three sizes. And so can our love.
‘Small things often’ is Dr. John Gottman’s motto which refers to the impact of everyday small actions on the wellbeing and longevity of your relationship.
Certified Gottman Therapist Kimberly Panganiban, LMFT discussed this idea in a recent webinar for The Gottman Institute. She begins with the concept of ‘bids’ which are any gesture that signals a need for connection. It can be verbal or non-verbal, and Dr. John Gottman describes them as ‘the fundamental unit of emotional connection’.
Panganiban says that there are different ways to respond to a partner’s bid.
Turning toward which means that you notice the bid and respond positively to your partner.
Turning away which means that you miss the bid and are unresponsive to your partner.
Turning against which means that you notice the bid and respond negatively.
Happy, stable couples turn toward 86% of the time while couples that end up separating only turn toward about 33% of the time.
Feedback Cycle
There is a feedback cycle that starts to develop based on the responses to bids. Here is what they can look like:
Turn towards
Every time you turn toward your partner, you are creating security and connection.
This makes your partner feel safe in making more bids.
As you continue to turn toward, bids continue to increase.
Turn away/against
Anytime you turn away or against your partner, they feel rejected/unimportant.
When these pile up, they begin to question whether or not you will be responsive.
Bids decline, and you begin to feel disconnected.
How to increase small things often
Pay attention and tune into your partner’s needs for attention
See your partner’s bids as an opportunity to connect
Turn toward in meaningful ways
Prioritize the relationship and minimize distractions (especially technology and social media)
If you miss a bid, acknowledge it and apologize
The importance of rituals
Once you have started to notice bids in your relationship, you can start developing rituals with your partner. That way you don’t always have to wait for bids to happen spontaneously. When you build in moments of connection and ritualize them, you can count on connecting with your partner on a daily basis. Here are Panganiban’s suggested rituals that can easily be implemented and integrated into your daily routine.
Partings and 6 second kiss: Don’t leave the house without knowing one interesting thing that is going to happen in your partner’s day. Give each other a 6 second kiss…now that’s a kiss with possibilities!
Admiration and Appreciation: Build a positive habit of mind and say appreciations out loud.
Affection: Examples are hugging, snuggling on the couch, holding hands, giving each other a massage. Affection can trigger the release of oxytocin, the ‘cuddle’ hormone associated with feeling good.
Reunions and the stress reducing conversation: Create a ‘couple bubble’ where you have space to talk about a stressful situation. Let the speaker share their external (to the relationship) stressors, and the listener empathizes with their partner’s emotions. They reflect, ask questions, and take their partner’s side.
Date night: Use this time to build love maps. Do not talk about the kids, work or household responsibilities! It doesn’t have to be elaborate but take turns planning and be creative.
Next steps
Start slowly, it’s not a race. Do not expect perfection. Remember small actions make big impacts! If you are struggling, please seek the guidance of a Gottman trained therapist. Check out the Gottman Relationship Coach!
Folks, Nelson Mandela – an extraordinary leader, an agent of change, a man of principle. He left behind an invaluable legacy of wisdom through his unforgettable and inspiring quotes. His words often represented his unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and human rights.
Through his quotations, Mandela encourages each one of us to embrace all aspects of life with equal vigor and determination. Let’s delve further into his profound words:
Spreading Love: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Compassion
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Nelson Mandela
A fundamental principle in Mandela’s life was the practice of compassion, understanding, and love towards all human beings, regardless of their race, cultures, or beliefs. This was reflected in many of his beloved quotes.
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela
Indeed, Mandela’s journey was marked by a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all people. He often urged others to mirror this compassion and kindness.
It’s this sense of empathy and care for others that often shines through in many of his thought-provoking quotes. Throughout his wisdom-filled words and lived experiences, Mandela conveys a universal message that love, kindness, and humanity can bring a transformative life.
You may already know that Nelson Mandela, the revered South African icon, wore many hats. From anti-apartheid revolutionary to politician, Mandela’s persona extends far beyond these roles. Born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, South Africa, Mandela grew up experiencing the harsh realities of racial prejudice.
He joined the African National Congress in 1943, where he initiated his spirited fight against apartheid. A lawyer by education, Mandela co-founded South Africa’s first black law firm in 1952, providing affordable legal counsel to those affected by apartheid legislation. The Rivonia Trial of 1963 marked a turning point in Mandela’s life, where his passionate court speech resonated globally. Sadly, this same trial resulted in a 27-year prison sentence.
But Mandela’s indomitable spirit was not crushed. From his prison cell on Robben Island, he continued his fight, becoming a symbol of hope for all who sought equality. In 1990, global pressure finally led to Mandela’s release, and by 1994, South Africa saw him sworn in as the country’s first Black President – an awe-inspiring end to the apartheid era.
Mandela’s wisdom, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to equality continue to inspire long after his passing in December 2013. So, let’s walk through some of his most transformative quotes that encapsulate his undying spirit.
A Beacon of Hope: Nelson Mandela’s Most Inspirational Quotes
There’s no denying that Nelson Mandela was a beacon of hope for many during his lifetime and remains so even today. The iconic South African leader, who triumphed over adversity to become a leading voice for justice and equality, was known for his beautifully poignant words. And now, we invite you to immerse yourself in some of his most inspirational quotes.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Amid the hardships, it’s easy for one to feel overwhelmed and deflated. But Mandela’s words remind us that the journey is not about avoiding mistakes but about learning from them. After all, it’s not about how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you get back up. That’s where the true glory of life resides.
Wisdom from a Legend: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes
Experiencing a humble journey from prison to the presidency, Nelson Mandela has left a wealth of wisdom through his thought-provoking words. These quotes reflect his resilient spirit, his unwavering courage, and his impassioned pursuit of justice. They continue to motivate and inspire individuals around the world, guiding us to seek a world characterized by equality, unity, and peace.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
This quote encapsulates Mandela’s belief in resilience and perseverance. Despite all the adversities he faced, he never lost the faith to rise and fight again – a lesson for all of us to remember.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
Here, Mandela seeks to redefine courage. It does not mean ignoring fear, but rather accepting it and moving forward anyway. It’s a reminder for us to transform our fears into stepping stones on the route to success.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
This quote of wisdom encapsulates the tenacity and perseverance that marked Mandela’s life. It’s a powerful reminder that the most daunting tasks can be accomplished if we put our heart and soul into it.
Mandela’s words aren’t just quotes, they are profound life lessons that transcend time and geographic boundaries. They inspire us, motivate us, and most importantly, instill within us a longing for a fairer, more equitable world.
Unforgettable Words of Nelson Mandela: Inspiring Quotes for Daily Life
As you journey through life, let the unforgettable and inspiring words of Nelson Mandela guide you. As one of the world’s most influential leaders, Mandela’s wisdom can aid you in navigating life’s daily complexities. Here are some of Mandela’s most inspiring quotes:
1. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
2. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
3. “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
4. “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Each of these quotes carries a profound lesson. They remind us of the importance of courage in the face of fear, persistence in the face of challenges, resilience in the face of failure, and respect and consideration for the freedom and well-being of others. With Mandela’s wisdom in mind, everyday life becomes a meaningful journey to explore. Let these words inspire you as you continue on your path.
Powerful Words: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes to Drive Change
From his passionate struggle for justice and equality, Nelson Mandela left us a treasure of insight and wisdom. Through his powerful words, he has imparted valuable lessons about driving change, and here we reflect on some of them:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
When you face immense challenges, take heart from this potent truth. Often, the biggest obstacles exist in our minds, the doubts and fears that hold us back. Mandela’s life showed us that we can defy the odds and achieve the seemingly impossible, and this quote encourages us to step forward and meet those challenges.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Living is not about just existing or passing through. According to Mandela, our life’s worth is measured by the positive impact that we have on the lives of those around us. His profound words serve as a reminder that driving change starts with making a difference in the lives of others.
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
As Nelson Mandela pointedly expressed, how a society extends care, respect, and opportunities to its younger members reflects the core of its values, priorities, and integrity. As we sift through the corridors of Mandela’s thoughts, we come across potent examples of his deep wisdom and transformative vision.
Mandela himself was a testament to this, having spent 27 years in prison, only to emerge as the first black president of South Africa.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
Imagine the strength of character it took to endure those years of confinement and yet remain unbroken. This quote encapsulates that very spirit of indomitable will and resilience.
Transcending Boundaries: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Unity
For Nelson Mandela, unity was not merely a philosophy, but a way of life. His quotes often express his heartfelt belief in the power of togetherness, as symbolized in the following words:
“People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela
Hand in hand with his conviction in unity was Mandela’s undeniable belief in the inherent goodness of people. His words encourage us to tap into this reservoir of love and compassion within us. All it takes is a shift in perspective, suggests Mandela, to transform our world.
Sowing Seeds of Change: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Action
Mandela always encouraged proactive action in the journey towards change. Understanding the value of deeds over intentions, he said:
“Vision without action is just a dream, action without vision just passes the time, and vision with action can change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
This powerful quote is a call to embrace our power and capacity for creating change. By patiently and diligently working towards our goals, we are participating in the act of shaping our destinies.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Now this quote, by all means, is one of Mandela’s most impactful lines. It reminds us that tasks that seem insurmountable can indeed be accomplished. All it takes is the starting step. The journey may not be easy and may feel like an uphill task, but once we take that step, the impossible slowly starts appearing achievable, and before we know it, it’s already done.
Let’s not forget the times when we’ve been faced with a difficult task. Remember how we thought it was impossible? But we did it anyway. Because we realized, and quite succinctly put by Mandela, it only ‘seems’ impossible. We need to cultivate that mindset – the power of ‘doing’.
Walking the Talk: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Persistence
One truly inspiring sentiment Mandela often emphasized was the importance of persistence. He understood, better than most through some of his most encouraging quotes on persistence:
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell and got back up again.” This quote inspires us to view challenges as opportunities to rise above and become stronger.
“The greatest glory in living is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Here Mandela is reminding us that it’s not about avoiding failure, but rather learning and growing from it.
Indeed, the essence of Nelson Mandela’s perspective on persistence embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. It teaches us that setbacks can be seen as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. In other words, persistence isn’t just about working hard—it’s about refusing to quit even when the odds are against us.
Nelson Mandela Quotes to Lift Your Spirits
With the capability to uplift the spirit and inspire hope, Nelson Mandela’s awe-inspiring words of encouragement are a powerhouse of motivation. Unravel a few chosen ones here:
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Through this enthralling quote, Nelson Mandela emphasizes the essence of never giving up. Even in the face of immense adversity, it is our ability to rise every time we stumble that defines our true character.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Here, Nelson Mandela promulgates the potential of human perseverance. What seems insurmountable at a glance can be conquered with unyielding determination, demonstrating that ‘impossible’ is actually ‘I’m possible’.
“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”
This remarkable quote motivates us to rise above our circumstances instead of being victimized by them. Mandela insists that with dedication and passion, one can align the odds in their favor and pave the path to success.
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
In this awe-inspiring saying, Mandela highlights the significance of resilience. Success isn’t measured by how high we rise, but by how often we break free from the shackles of failure and bounce back stronger. These unforgettable words are a beacon to uplift your spirits and fuel your journey towards growth and fulfillment.
It’s easy to feel daunted when faced with a big task or a profound shift in our lives. However, as Mandela so aptly expressed, our perceived impossibilities are often simply undiscovered possibilities waiting to unfold.
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
Mandela himself lived these words. He refused to settle for less, aspiring to achieve more than anyone thought possible. Let his wise words spur you on as you embrace change and transform the impossible into the possible.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Here, Mandela underscores the tremendous power of knowledge. Education doesn’t only refer to formal schooling. It means staying curious, asking questions, seeking answers, and constantly learning and growing. Embrace change with the resolution to learn.
“Appearances matter — and remember to smile.”
Even when change is hard and times are tough, remember to put forth your best self. A simple act, like smiling, can help change your outlook on life and boost your resilience for the journey ahead.
In the face of change, both monumental and minuscule, let Mandela’s words inspire you to harness your inner strength, face your fears, and live the life you are capable of living.
Overcoming Adversity: Nelson Mandela’s Most Empowering Quotes
Overcoming adversity seems to be an impossible task when we are stuck in despair, but it is exactly during these moments that we can draw strength from Nelson Mandela’s life and his empowering words. As someone who faced extreme difficulties in fighting for freedom and justice, Mandela’s quotes remind us that we hold the power to confront and overcome our challenges, however daunting they may be.
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Each of these quotes carries a strong message of resilience, courage, and conviction. They not only inspire us to keep moving forward in the face of adversity but also encourage us to dream and aspire for the things that seem to be beyond reach.
“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”
Lastly, Mandela’s insightful quote about human perseverance conveys that overcoming adversity is an ongoing process. It’s not about reaching a destination but enjoying the journey itself. Every hurdle crossed makes us stronger for the next challenge we face.
Tapping into Inner Strength: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Resilience
As you navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs, Nelson Mandela’s quotes about resilience can serve as a powerful reminder of your strength and tenacity. Known for his unwavering spirit and determination, Mandela faced 27 years of unjust imprisonment before his release and subsequent ascendance to the presidency of South Africa. His perseverance in surmounting unimaginable obstacles offers timely wisdom and inspiration for overcoming your challenges.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
How many times have you stumbled, fallen, or faced setbacks? Remember, each time you rise, you honor your indomitable spirit and tap into the resilience that resides within you.
“I am prepared to die if that’s what it takes for freedom for our people.”
It’s a stark embodiment of the power of resilience. Mandela was willing to sacrifice his life for the freedom of his people, underscoring the depth of his commitment.
“Our human compassion binds us to one another—not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
“In the end, reconciliation is a spiritual process, which requires more than just a legal framework. It has to happen in the hearts and minds of the people.”
By heeding Mandela’s words and reflecting on his struggle, you can find the resilience within yourself to overcome life’s challenges and flourish in the face of adversity.
Remember, it takes a certain resilience to transform setbacks into victories and hardships into gifts. The golden words of Nelson Mandela serve as an eternal guiding beacon to light that path.
Embracing Diversity: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Equality and Inclusion
Humanity’s richness lies in its diversity, a reality well-understood and advocated by Nelson Mandela. With grace and wisdom, Mandela’s words still echo, reminding us of the necessity for equality and inclusion in today’s world. Let’s dive into some of his powerful quotes on this crucial topic.
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
In these poignant words, Mandela points out the power of love to overcome hate and prejudice. Prejudice, he believed, is not an innate human quality, but rather a learned behavior. And what can be learned can be unlearned.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Mandela’s concept of freedom does not stop at individual liberty. According to him, true freedom also encompasses the rights of others, demonstrating a compelling call to inclusivity and respect for all.
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Indeed, the quest for equality and inclusion is not a simple walk in the park. Mandela knew this well and was ready to sacrifice everything for it. His courage and determination to establish a harmonious society make us reflect on our duties as citizens of the world.
Reflecting on these sayings, may you be encouraged to embrace diversity, promote equality, and champion inclusion in your daily lives. In the same vein as Nelson Mandela, your actions, no matter how small they might seem, can make a significant difference in this world.
Leading with Grace: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Leadership
Leadership – a concept so vast, yet often misunderstood. Nelson Mandela, one of the most significant leaders of our time, understood this concept in its truest essence. Not only did he inspire millions with his persona, but he also left behind pearls of wisdom that serve as invaluable guides for aspiring leaders. Below are some of his highly influential quotes on leadership:
“Lead from the back – and let others believe they are in front.”
“A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end, he and his team must be unanimous.”
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
“Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.”
“A real leader uses every issue, no matter how serious and sensitive, to ensure that at the end of the debate, we should emerge stronger and more united than ever before.”
What makes these quotes special is not their inherent wisdom, but the fact that Nelson Mandela lived by them. He was a leader who practiced what he preached, and that made his words all the more impactful. But what’s even more important is how these quotes can shape your perspective. They remind us that:
True leadership is about letting others shine. It’s about guiding from the shadows and taking pride in the success of your teammates.
Unanimity is critical for any team. Debates should lead to unity, not division.
Compassion and intelligence make a leader truly effective.
Persistence and Hope are qualities leaders must embrace.
Every issue can be a stepping stone towards greater unity and strength.
So, as you deal with your leadership challenges, remember these words by Mandela – and let them guide you towards being an effective and compassionate leader.
Finding Peace Within: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Forgiveness
Nelson Mandela, a name that epitomizes forgiveness and reconciliation in the face of dire situations. His words often remind us that to find peace within ourselves, we must be willing to forgive, not for the sake of others, but for our tranquility. Here, we delve into some of his most inspiring quotes about forgiveness:
“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”
Quite vividly, this quote illustrates Mandela’s perspective on holding onto resentment. Instead of harming those who have wronged us, we only poison our hearts and minds. It’s in our best interest to let go and forgive because, in the end, our mental well-being should be our priority.
“If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.”
Through this statement, Mandela conveys that forgiveness is not a mere act; it’s a substantial pathway leading to peace and harmony. It’s like a crucial societal roadmap to make this world indeed a beautiful place.
“Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon.”
In Mandela’s view, forgiveness isn’t a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it’s a potent tool that liberates the soul, removes fear, and grants us the courage to move forward with our lives. Forgiving is an act of strength, a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity.
“Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.”
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”
In conclusion, Nelson Mandela’s quotes on forgiveness offer a profound understanding of the power of letting go of resentment. His wisdom encourages us to look beyond the pain, and the injustice, and find the strength to forgive, not for others, but for us. There is courage, strength, and peace in forgiveness and these lessons from Mandela are indeed timeless.
The Power of Education: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Learning
When you think of education, you might think about school, teachers, and tests, right? Yet for Mandela, education was more than just formal schooling; it was a fundamental force, a tool necessary for personal and societal advancement. Here are some enlightening quotes from Mandela that highlight his immense value for education and learning.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
This quote often attributed to Nelson Mandela emphasizes how he perceived education as more than just a process of acquiring knowledge. He saw it as a powerful tool that cements the foundation for creating a just and equal society and allows individuals to secure their future.
“It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.”
In this expression, Mandela illustrates the transformative power of education. Regardless of your beginnings, education is the elevator to achieving potential and soaring to great heights. It’s a reminder that we should not underestimate the power of learning, regardless of our origins.
“No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.”
With this quote, Mandela underscores that an educated populace is the backbone of a nation’s development. It’s a powerful reminder for all nations striving to achieve social and economic prosperity.
We hope these quotes highlight why Mandela held such high regard for education and inspire you to not only respect but also seek your continual growth and learning.
Living with Purpose: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Making a Difference
Making a difference in the world was at the heart of Nelson Mandela’s purpose. His words reflected his vision for a better, more just society, and his hope for individuals to take positive actions. Here, we take a look at some of Mandela’s inspiring quotes centered around purpose and making a difference.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Through these words, Mandela conveys the strong sentiment that liberation is not solely about liberating oneself, but also ensuring the welfare of others. Your freedom should not pose a barrier to others. Rather, it should facilitate their quest for freedom. This is the essence of making a genuine difference.
“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”
Here, Mandela emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion by stating that caring about others and taking action can bring about transformative changes for the betterment of society. Only when we place concern for others at the core of our individual and community lives can we truly make the world a better place?
“Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”
In this quote, Mandela encourages us to rise to the challenge and become a great generation that drives positive change. With his inspiring words, he ignites a spark in each of us to strive for greatness and to let that inner greatness blossom – for when it does, we can make a significant difference.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
This quote epitomizes Mandela’s ethos. Life, to him, was not merely about living, but about the impact we create during our time on earth. It is the change we bring to others’ lives – through compassion, understanding, and action – that truly determines our life’s significance.
These precious insights from Nelson Mandela serve to remind us that our actions can contribute to a wider societal change. So, let Mandela’s words permeate your thoughts. Act with purpose and strive to make a difference, because every action counts, and every individual can make a world of difference. Embrace your journey and let your impact be felt by others as you live your life with purpose.
Celebrating Equality: Nelson Mandela’s Quotes on Justice and Freedom
Stepping beyond the customary sphere of thought, Nelson Mandela, a beacon of inspiration, challenges us to rethink the notions of justice, freedom, and equality. His words resonate with the profound truths that touch every aspect of human life. Dive into some of his most empowering quotes that speak about these pertinent topics.
“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”
Equality starts with recognizing and respecting human rights. Mandela reminds us to stand against any injustice that challenges the inherent humaneness within each of us.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Freedom, as Mandela iterates, doesn’t imply just personal liberation. It resonates with the collective liberty, where we respect and enhance the freedom of others, signifying the true essence of being free.
“Social equality is the only basis of human happiness.”
Stressing the importance of social equality, Mandela lays out a blueprint for the essential requirement for human happiness. The path to genuine happiness is through treating everyone alike, irrespective of their differences.
“Where globalization means, as it so often does, that the rich and powerful now have new means to further enrich and empower themselves at the cost of the poorer and weaker, we have a responsibility to protest in the name of universal freedom.”
Here, Mandela prompts us to raise voices against the disparities propagated by globalization. In the fight for universal freedom, we must stand against those who use their power for personal benefits at the expense of the less fortunate.
How can these quotes inspire us?
These inspiring quotes from Nelson Mandela urge us to introspect our perspective on equality, justice, and freedom. They incite courage within us to act against the inequalities prevailing in our society and strive for a world where justice and freedom are universally accessible.
FAQ
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about Nelson Mandela’s quotes and the profound wisdom they carry. Let’s dive deep into the values and insights that lay beneath his words.
What messages did Nelson Mandela convey in his quotes?
Through his quotes, Nelson Mandela conveyed potent messages of resilience, justice, equality, and peace. His wise words encouraged us to endure despite adversity, stand up against injustice, promote equality for all, and foster peace within ourselves and in our communities.
How can Nelson Mandela’s quotes inspire us?
Nelson Mandela’s quotes are a treasure trove of wisdom for those seeking inspiration. His lessons on humility, resilience, courage, and perseverance serve as motivation for overcoming challenges. His insightful words foster a determination to strive for a more equitable and peaceful world.
How are Nelson Mandela’s quotes relevant today?
In an era where social justice, equality, and human rights are at the forefront of global conversation, Nelson Mandela’s quotes are more relevant than ever. They remind us of the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, pushing for positive change, and continuously striving for a more just and equal society.
What is the most popular quote by Nelson Mandela?
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
This quote encapsulates Mandela’s spirit of resilience and fearlessness in the face of adversity. His life exemplified the doctrine that failure is not the end, instead, it is a stepping stone to success.
Can these quotes be applied in everyday life?
Undeniably yes! The enduring wisdom found in Nelson Mandela’s quotes is applicable to all aspects of life. Whether it be standing up for what’s right, showing courage in crisis, maintaining discipline, or fostering love and peace, his words continue to guide us as we navigate through life’s complexities.
Don’t you just love it when your partner gives you that gentle face caress as they look deep into your eyes? There’s something so intimate and thrilling about the soft, trailing touch. The obvious affection is evident as their fingertips glide and explore each wonderful contour of your face. Beyond the affection is the unspoken admiration and protection that simple touch communicates. And then, the soft forehead kiss seals the deal.
But now, you can’t stand their touch as it brings you such pain and discomfort. No, you haven’t fallen out of love or stopped craving that touch. But sunburn has made your skin unbearably sensitive. Unlike your lover, the sun’s caress on your skin was not gentle at all. Now, you have to contend with red, blotchy, sensitive skin as a reminder that you should not have left the house without the cover of the best sunscreen for your face.
What Is The Best Sunscreen For Your Face — Considerations When Shopping For One
Which sunscreen is best for a face that’s starting to hurt? Well, there are a number of considerations, with the most significant being the skin type. And, of course, personal preferences come into it as well. Also, don’t forget, sunscreen is an excellent gift for beach lovers.
Use the following as a guideline when shopping for the best sunscreen for your face.
1. Skin type
Specific sunscreens work best for specific skin types. For instance, those with moisturizing qualities are excellent for dry skin. Oil-free or gel-based sunscreens work well for oily skin.
2. Broad-spectrum protection
It’s important to get protection against UVA and UVB rays. The former is responsible for premature skin aging, while UVB rays are the reason behind sunburn. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will provide an excellent barrier against both.
3. SPF 30 and above
Sun Protection Factor, commonly referred to as SPF, shows the level of protection the sunscreen offers against UVB rays. When deciding which sunscreen is best for face, opt for those with an SPF of 30 and above. Here’s an idea, a cooling towel and sunscreen of SPF 50 are excellent gifts for yoga lovers.
4. Non-comedogenic
Always go for non-comedogenic sunscreen as they do not clog the pores. That is especially critical for those who are acne-prone or have skin sensitivity.
5. Water resistance
If you live an active life involving a lot of water or sweat, opt for water-resistant sunscreen. But even then, there’s a need to reapply it after excessive sweating or swimming.
6. Chemical versus physical/mineral sunscreen
Physical sunscreens typically contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They work by deflecting the sun rays because they sit on top of the skin. Chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin and dissipates the sun’s harmful rays. Physical sunscreen works well for those with skin sensitivities because they’re less likely to cause irritation.
7. Antioxidants
Sunscreens containing antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E are a fantastic option. The antioxidants provide protection against the damage caused by the free radicals within the UV rays.
8. Fragrance free
Fragrance additives can irritate sensitive skin. Thus, a fragrance-free sunscreen is excellent for those with such issues.
What is the best sunscreen for your face? EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46 answers this question well. The formulation is dermatologist-recommended. The ingredient list includes zinc oxide that protects against breakouts, making it great for those with acne. It’s also excellent for soothing sensitive skin. The formulation is gentle on the skin making it among the best sunscreen considerations. User reviews are quite positive at a 4.7 out of 5 rating. Many comments center on how lightweight, non-greasy, and great EltaMD UV is for sensitive skin.
Application: Carry out the normal cleaning and moisturizing of the skin. Then apply enough EltaMD on any exposed area, including lips, ears, neck, and chest.
Pros
Broad-spectrum provides protection against UVA and UVB rays
SBS 46
Non-comedogenic, so it will not clog the pores
Fragrance-free
Lightweight and oil-free, leaving behind no white cast
Water resistance of up to 18 minutes
Physical sunscreen, which sits on top of the skin, thus less likely to irritate
Anti-inflammatory properties are due to the niacinamide or vitamin B3
Cons
For best results, you need to reapply it at least every two hours. That can make you run through a bottle quite fast, making it a bit expensive
Best suited for oily skin as it doesn’t moisturize much
EltaMD broad-spectrum facial sunscreen SPF 46 is fantastic for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin
Which sunscreen is best for a face that’s acne-prone? La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60. This sunscreen offers a high Sun Protection Factor at 60. The oil-free formulation makes it great for acne-prone skin. It absorbs excess oils, thus preventing breakouts and reducing shine. The Cell-Ox Shields technology provides excellent protection against UVA and UVB rays. The antioxidant properties provide protection against harmful radicals.
The formulation is octinoxate and oxybenzone-free, thus keeping users safe from the harmful impact of such ingredients. Octinoxate, for example, degrades into benzophenone, which is a hormone disruptor and a cancer-causing agent. The brand reports a 98% overall satisfaction with the sunscreen.
Application: Clean and moisturize your skin, then apply La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen. Apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Pros
Broad-spectrum
Non-comedogenic, making it excellent for acne-prone and sensitive skin
Lightweight that leaves no white cast
Water resistance for up to 18 minutes
Cons
Expensive
Not very moisturizing
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 offers excellent sun protection. It is also a great product for acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin.
People with dark skin would also like to know which sunscreen is best for their face. Despite having an abundance of melanin, dark-skinned people can also suffer from the harmful impact of UV rays. So, it makes sense for them to use sunscreen. And that is what the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 provides. The sunscreen does not leave behind any residue, which would show against melanated skin. The Sun Protection Factor lies within the recommended levels. What also makes it fantastic is the ingredient list. There are natural products like carrot juice, jojoba, and avocado. Production processes are vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.
Application: Clean and moisturize skin, then apply generous amounts of Black Girl sunscreen. Cover all the exposed skin and use 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours or soon after contact with water, or if you are sweating a lot.
Pros
Broad-spectrum protection
Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free
Lightweight, making it easy to spread
Use of natural ingredients that provide skin-nourishing properties
Hypoallergenic that’s excellent for people with allergies or sensitive skin
Leaves behind no white cast
Water/sweat-resistant
Affordable
Vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free
Cons
It may not be suitable for oily skin. Some users find it greasy, especially in hot or humid weather
SPF protection is moderate at 30. Those with very fair or sensitive skin would benefit from a higher SPF rating
For best results, it’s important to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours. That can be inconvenient when wearing makeup
Black Girl sunscreen SPF 30 provides an excellent solution to sunscreen needs for melanated skin. But it may not be the best option for very fair or oily skin. Based on some user reviews, please do a patch test before the application. Some people do not react well to the ingredients.
So. Which sunscreen is the best for faces of all kinds? There’s no one answer. There are tons of facial sunscreens in the market, and it can be confusing to know which one to buy. Start by learning the important considerations and ingredients that should be part of the sunscreen. Of critical importance are SPF, broad-spectrum protection, non-comedogenic, and suitability for skin sensitivity. Or simply check out our recommendations of some of the best sunscreens in the market today.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. However, I only recommend products and services that I truly believe in and that I think will be helpful to my readers.
FAQs
1. Is it important to wear sunscreen every day?
If you experience sun exposure, it is important to wear sunscreen. It helps protect from the harmful UV rays, which can cause a host of issues. These include skin cancer, sunburn, premature aging, and other skin damage.ese include skin cancer, sunburn, premature aging, and other skin damage.
2. What is the best sunscreen for your face?
Look for sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, SPF of 30+, non-comedogenic, and water resistance. The skin type also matters. Those prone to acne breakouts or have skin sensitivities should look for ingredient lists that do not exacerbate the situation.
3. Can I use body sunscreen on the face?
Please avoid using body sunscreen on the face. There are special formulations that are ideal for the delicate and sensitivity-prone facial skin. For instance, when deciding what is the best sunscreen for your face, opt for a non-comedogenic one. Such formulations do not clog pores, thus reducing breakouts. They also have additional benefits like anti-aging ingredients and antioxidants.
4. How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Many sunscreen manufacturers put application recommendations on the packaging. Mostly, you may need to reapply facial sunscreen every two hours. But if you have been swimming or sweating a lot, you need to apply it immediately. Even if you’re using water-resistant sunscreen, it’s important to reapply it for continued protection. Please note that a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen should provide enough coverage for the face. Don’t reduce it in the hope of checking out how much sunscreen you can get out of a bottle. That will only reduce the effectiveness of the product.
Dating and romance in the older years come with some complexities. The societal emphasis on youthfulness can create self-consciousness about the tell-tale signs of aging. Some older people may experience levels of insecurities about dating because of the perception of unattractiveness or lower desirability. The self-conversations also matter.
Fine lines and wrinkles tell a powerful story of the journey of life. But if all you see is aging skin that has lost its youthful vibrancy and elasticity, then it can severely impact one’s self-perception and esteem. The lack of self-confidence can hinder social interaction, thus making it hard to meet potential partners.
Well, there’s an excellent skincare solution — Treat yourself with the best serum for aging skin and feel more confident than ever. Such remedies bring back the youthfulness and glow in one’s appearance. But you might wonder, what IS the best serum for aging skin? We will show you how to choose.
Best Serum For Aging Skin — 8 Things To Consider
Best face serum for aging skin
Well, choosing the best serum for aging skin depends on a number of factors. The most important would be the specific skin concerns you want to address. Others are budget, sensitivities, or allergies. Consider the investment in good quality serum a token of self care and well being gift.
Top considerations for the best aging skin serum should incorporate the following ingredients.
1. Retinoids
The vitamin A derivatives enhance collagen production and promote skin renewal. This reduces skin wrinkles, and gives better skin texture and even skin tone.
2. Hyaluronic acid
The acid helps in skin hydration due to its capacity to hold significant amounts of water. The skin looks plumper, resulting in a reduction in wrinkles and the appearance of fine lines.
3. Vitamin C
The powerful antioxidant powers of vitamin C brighten the skin, promote collagen synthesis, and provide protection against environmental damage. This ingredient makes these serums useful gifts that keep giving, whether for him or her.
4. Peptides
The protein composition of peptides stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity and firmness.
5. Antioxidants
The best anti-aging skin serum should contain antioxidants. You will find certain ingredients like grape seed extract, green tea extract, and resveratrol. These provide protection against radical damage, which accelerates the aging process.
Vitamin B3 improves the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. It also provides an effective way to strengthen the skin’s barrier.
7. Glycolic acid
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) promotes skin turnover, exfoliates, and gives a smooth complexion. This results in improved fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.
8. Sunscreen
The best face serum for aging skin should contain a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. That reduces the impact of UV radiation on the skin.
Please note that it’s important to introduce the anti-aging skin serum slowly. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin as it will help avoid irritation. It’s also a good idea to consult skin care professionals or dermatologists before using any product. Based on the results, they can assess specific skin needs and recommend the best products to you.
What is the best serum for aging skin? Well, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is highly recommended by experts. Rich in vitamin C, its antioxidant properties brighten the skin, promote collagen synthesis, and provide protection against environmental damage. The ingredient list includes:
15% l’ascorbic acid or vitamin C
1% vitamin E
0.5% ferulic acid
User reviews: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a popular, highly recommended brand by dermatologists. User reviews are very positive, with some saying their skin feels firmer and better toned. There’s also a noticeable reduction in skin blemishes.
Skin type: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is pretty forgiving as, overall, different skin types tolerate it well. But there’s always a chance of irritation, so introduce the product slowly. This is especially critical when looking for the best face serum for aging skin.
Application: The morning application gives you more use out of the bottle. Don’t expect immediate results, though. But you may see changes within four to six weeks. At 12 weeks, the results will be more noticeable. Apply four to five drops on the face and neck after toning or cleansing. Check out the best Korean facial cleansers for combination skin.
Pros
Clinically proven treatment for dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines
Antioxidant protection
Better skin tone and texture
Cons
Price: With the best face serum for aging skin, cost is a major concern. At over $160 per 30 ml bottle, the price tag is quite hefty
Smell: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic has a smokey, strong medicinal smell that can linger for a few minutes. Don’t worry, though, it will dissipate after a short time
Storage: Ensure you keep it in a dark place to avoid oxidation
Sunscreen: You will need a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30+ as vitamin C can increase skin sun sensitivity
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is an effective vitamin C serum with the backing of clinical research. The antioxidant serum improves the appearance of aging skin. Please stick to the dosage and application recommendation to avoid sensitivities.
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol is excellent for all skin types. These include oily, normal, dry combinations, or acne-prone. The vitamin A derivative retinol is effective for sun damage and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
User reviews: As per the brand, 96% of users reported improved skin appearance and texture. 88% reported a reduction in wrinkles and fine Lines. 80% agree that the skin feels firmer.
Application: Slow-start with a gradual increase of up to three times a week. Use it after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning. Finish with a sunscreen application of SPF 30 and above.
Pros
Clinically proven benefits for hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles
Better skin texture and tone
Affordable
Cons
Skin sensitivity: This may not be the product for you if you suffer from skin sensitivity. Some users have reported a burning or lingering warm sensation and some peeling. The formulation is quite potent, which could explain the low usage frequency
Drying skin: You’ll need to keep up with moisturizing to keep the skin hydrated
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment improves the appearance of aging skin. However, the potency can be irritating for those who suffer from skin sensitivities. Also, be patient, as it can take months to see results.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an affordable and effective serum for aging skin. The humectant hyaluronic acid hydrates skin, replenishes cell moisture, and reduces wrinkles. Vitamin B5 has antioxidant properties that protect the skin while soothing it.
Application: Use a few drops of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid before applying your preferred cream or moisturizer. A good tip is to apply it on damp skin to get better results. Also, ensure you do a patch test before applying it all over the skin.
User reviews: Quite positive, with some reporting softer and plumper skin. It provides relevant hydration during the dry seasons. The texture ensures quick absorption without leaving any pasty residues behind.
Pros
Affordable
Hydrating properties makes it one of the best face serum for aging skin
Fast absorbing
Vegan and cruelty-free without gluten, nuts, silicone, alcohol, or oil
Leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft
Cons
The scent is lingering and maybe a bit off-putting to some people
Repeated application is necessary as it does not deliver full-day hydration
The greatest strength of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is its hydrating properties. This is due to the hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamin B5 that protects while soothing the skin.
Skin aging is an inevitable, unavoidable part of growing old. But you can fight off some of the signs with the best serum for aging skin. And what is the best serum for aging skin of all kinds? As you now know, there’s no one answer here; your specific skin concerns will determine the best type for you. Also, read customer reviews to know what to expect.
FAQs
1. What is the best serum for aging skin?
There is no clear-cut answer for the best aging skin serum. The specific skin needs will determine the best option. For instance, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is excellent for dry skin. Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol protects against sun damage, making it ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
2. What key ingredients should be in the best face serum for aging skin?
Some of the best ingredients include retinoids, hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and niacinamide. These work to promote collagen production, reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and protect against extensive damage. The combination of these will significantly reduce signs of skin aging.
3. Is it possible to combine anti-aging skin serums with other skin care products?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to use the serums with other skin care products. Typically, apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing and sunscreen application. Also, please take note of the manufacturer’s recommendations on application and dosage. It’s also important to consult skin care professionals for skin assessment and advice on the best serum ingredients depending on the results.
4. How soon will results show when using serums for aging skin?
Results vary from person to person. The serum formulation, skin type, and specific aging concerns also impact how fast to expect to see results. Some people may see significant changes within a few weeks of use. For others, it may take months. Remain consistent with applications and follow the recommendations to see fast results over time.
5. Do skin sensitivities matter when using skin aging serum?
Yes, skin sensitivity matters for some products. Those suffering from hypersensitivity should go for products labeled fragrance-free, gentle, or suitable for sensitive skin. Also, a patch test is important before product application on the entire skin.
It is a significant task to tame our minds and connect with our hearts, especially amid external influences that divide and manipulate. As we navigate complex beliefs and divisive rhetoric, fostering unity and compassion becomes paramount for our shared humanity. Let’s step back from the chaos, find inner harmony, and strive to spread love and peace in our daily interactions.
Heart-led living requires us to tune into the whispers of the heart and invite those messages to be amplified. Easier said than done, no doubt, especially when we’re inundated with thousands of messages everyday triggering us to do the exact opposite.
To be clear, this isn’t about becoming ‘soft’ or weakened, or needing to hop onto the woowoo train. No. Leading and living from the heart invites us to tune in to the root of our confidence, where we are in complete alignment with our soul and becoming wildly strong.
To tune into our hearts, we must first quiet our minds and reflect on our core beliefs, and distinguish between those rooted in love or fear, abundance or lack, unity or division. Failing to do so makes us susceptible to societal chaos and propaganda, disconnecting us from the source of universal love and reality.
We cannot tune into our hearts when we have never taken a moment to try and tame our own minds, to ask the most basic of questions:
What do I believe?
Why do I believe what I believe?
Are the core beliefs I have built my life upon based on love or fear? Abundance or lack? ‘Us’ vs. ’Them’?
Without asking big questions of ourselves and sitting quietly to explore the answers honestly, free of ego, we become easy prey.
When society is in chaos we get swept into the game. We easily become manipulated by the propaganda, the fear, and internal soul conflict that becomes reflected in our day-to-day interactions.
Our pain points have been tapped and we are lost- further disconnected from the heart, the source of universal love, as our minds become less hinged to what is real.
We all have our inherent biases, but it is only when a foundational truth is challenged that more people wake up and rise up against the new agents of war: manipulative messaging, catch phrases, trending hashtags, and cancel culture, where every mobile device is the weapon.
The thing about propaganda is that most people can only see it conflict strongly with a pre-established belief, and in most cases, there is a pre-existing social network that is also in agreement.
We think we see it so clearly as we ask:
How is everyone being manipulated by this? it’s so obvious…
How can you of all people not see?
They’re spreading lies.
Can’t they see how clearly this stance contradicts what they were outraged about last month?
It takes a lot ego-checking to see the persuasive messaging and manipulation when it aligns with our existing beliefs and confirms our own biases.
We especially love when a person who, for all superficial reasons, should be with the ‘other side’ but instead affirms our beliefs and views. We love that. That gives us an I told you so and even one of *yours* says I’m right affirmation.
Challenging this is hard work for the brain.
We watch the news networks, follow the accounts, and now it seems, keep only the friends that affirm us.
We share the stories that make us right and call ‘misinformation’ to those that make us wrong. We immediately say the other is lying (and they may very well be), doing whatever it takes to make us feel more and more right.
With all of this, what we are actually doing is disconnecting further from the heart. Without realizing it, as we feel so empowered and right, we too have become agents of division.
What a thing to witness, watching people shuffle around every other week to work out the new “team” they’re on with whatever issue we are to be outraged about, and working out who from the old team is coming along to this new one. Along with this, we now check in on who we are now disappointed by and must separate ourselves from. It’s a rapid action of follows and unfollows to remain in our safe, belief affirming echo chamber.
It gets tricky though.
For when we are persistently swayed by the all mighty external messaging powers, we lose our way, don’t we?
Many of us can see it. Having complex beliefs around complex topics is complex to reckon with.
When you can see it from the outside, what you are witnessing is a complete loss of self as the heart and mind cannot contend with the ridiculous hypocrisy and most basic impossible conflict of how one stance can’t actually exist in alignment with the last one taken.
We lose the ability to tame our own minds, to tune into our hearts, and to truly know thyself.
We forget that we are all human, and we are all connected.
The human species requires deep connection for basic survival, but the ongoing need to align with a side only causes more division- especially when that alignment is based on what was read in memes or trending videos (which are, of course, just more of the aforementioned tools of control).
To continue creating separation from others only serves our own growing sense of aloneness and separation from our own souls, while feeding the thin veneer of righteousness.
What we are all feeling is our basic sense of humanity: outrage at the suffering, and a yearning for justice that will never come through aggressive, divisive action.
Where does it end?
We choose.
The answer to all of this is easy to speak, but takes a monumental amount of work to accomplish.
It can end when we all find ourselves standing alone, completely divided over the abundance of very real issues we are told to take a side on to the point where we each exist utterly and completely alone, afraid to broach difficult topics and have the necessary difficult conversations. The result of this culture, of course, is that we silence the now nearly inaudible wise whisper of our own heart, and give in to the pull of the tide, the all encompassing, ear splitting roar of the media machine.
Or it can end when we decide to join hands, tune in and live and lead from the heart, to not allow that external voice to get any louder and instead work to amplify the whisper of the heart. It ends when we choose to love, allowing the infinite tidal wave of compassion that exists within all of our hearts to take the lead.
It ends when we look up from our screens and into each others eyes and see that we all want the same thing.
We smile.
We serve.
We love unconditionally.
We aim to be the joy, the delight, and the inspiration in someone else’s day.
We operate from kindness.
What if we extricate ourselves from the nitty gritty horrific details? Yes, you can know the news, but then step back and get centred. Get into coherence, into harmony, and ask, what can I do today to be an agent of love and peace? How can I choose, in this moment and the next, to live and lead from the heart?
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While visiting Salem, Mass. last fall I knew I wanted to have as many witchy experiences as possible. The most profound experience I had in The City of Witches was casting a love spell with love clairvoyant Lorelei Stathopoulos. In the spooky city, I went all in: I had a tarot reading with a Witch High Priestess; toured the Witch Mansion; visited the Witch Dungeon Museum; dressed up as a witch for a photoshoot; saw live-action performances about the 1692 Salem Witch Trials; and saw iconic Hocus Pocus sites. But nothing compared to what happened during my visit with Lorelai.
You may recognize her from Season 19 of The Bachelorette back in 2022. Stathopoulos recalls thinking in 2019 that someday she’d be on The Bachelorette. “I needed to help them. They’re letting these guys walk all over them but they’re goddesses,” she says. Stathopoulos had forgotten about the vision and a few years later, she received the call asking her to do the apple love spell: “I said it’s about time you guys called me.”
On the episode of Aven’s hometown date with Rachel, Stathopoulos casts a love spell using an ordinary pantry staple—an apple! It’s one of her oldest and most popular spells. She could tell that Aven was scared and she told Rachel not to settle. “Aven ends up getting scared and doesn’t propose, so she dumps him and goes to this other guy that she settled for. Two months later, she catches him cheating and ends up with the original guy we did the apple spell with,” Stathopoulus says.
Stathopoulos comes from a long line of mystical practitioners and she oversees Crow Haven Corner, the oldest witch shop in Salem, which was also the first witch shop in the U.S. I paid Stathopoulos a visit under the new moon with a dream of pure love in my heart. She sat me down in front of a shiny red apple that had been cleaned and polished. “Put your energy into it from the beginning to the end—from lighting the candle to doing the spell. That’s what makes magic work,” Stathopoulos instructed. “The first thing about love magic is we have to love ourselves. Take a bite of the apple for self-love before you start the love spell.”
Since I was casting a generic spell without a specific person in mind, we skipped the step of carving the name of the object of my desire into the apple. If you’re casting the spell on a specific person, carve your name into one side of the candle and your potential lover’s name on the other side.
As per Stathopoulos’ instructions, the love spell should be cast three days before the new moon. “We’re going to call in the New Moon magic and call in the Venus goddess of love, love for yourself, and love to come,” Stathopoulos says.
She poured honey inside the apple along with rose quartz, coriander seeds, rose petals, and strawberry leaves. According to Stathopoulos, rose quartz is for self-love, rose petals and strawberry leaves are to attract love, and coriander seeds are for wealth. “We all need money. Money is power. We need it to do kind things,” she says.
To cast the love spell, you’ll need a pink candle (the color associated with true love in candle magic, while red is for lust). Place the candle in the apple and light it while chanting Stathopoulos’ love spell. The enchantment calls for a soulmate who will offer protection, provide love, and be full of light. And then she says to “fuggedaboutit,” in true East Coast fashion.
While you could gather the magical ingredients to conduct Stathopoulos’ love spell, it’s best to buy the spell kit from Crown Haven Corner that’s been magically charged by the Love Clairvoyant herself. Initially, I felt that casting the spell in person was fruitful for me. A few months later, I had forgotten about casting the spell and started a new relationship. He confessed that everything had been so magical he felt like a love spell had been cast on him. I admitted I had cast a love spell and we both agreed it helped bring us together.
Stathopoulos gave me a love spell candle to take home and it included instructions to light it with my new love one day. We burned it together and chanted the spell, which was meant to enhance our love. While traveling abroad and spending two months away from the candle, our relationship imploded. Ultimately, he didn’t live up to the enchantments requirement of true love, but I’m still hopeful the goddess Venus will bless me with my soulmate.
When potential adopters sift through the hundreds of dogs available for adoption on our website or walk past the rows of kennels at our main location, they no doubt will see a few dogs in wheelchairs who are looking for a home. We could offer a bulleted list answering “Why Adopt a Wheelchair Dog?” but we’d rather explore, “Why not?”
October is Subaru Loves Pets month and while all pets are being celebrated, our friends at Subaru love to shine the spotlight on underdogs — dogs who may have a tougher time finding their adoptive home due to perceived barriers, during the month of October. Dogs in wheelchairs, or as we call them at APA!, “wheelie dogs,” often roll into that category.
Having a wheelie dog in your home, in many regards, is no different than having a dog with their own full mobility. One powerful example of a successful wheelie dog adoption sits with Frankie and her adopted dog, Gavin.
Frankie first entered the world of APA! as a foster at the beginning of 2023 and dove deeper into her involvement by becoming a robust volunteer, a decision inspired by how much she loves Gavin.
“In early 2023, I saw an email from Austin Pets Alive! about a dog named Gavin who had likely been hit by a car in 2021 and was left paralyzed. APA! pulled him and provided surgery to repair his jaw. He was in the shelter for almost two years. I instantly knew I wanted to foster Gavin.
Although I’d never had a special needs dog, I knew I could learn how to care for him and give him a loving home. I picked Gavin up during the ice storm in February 2023. He immediately stole my heart, and, after two weeks, I officially adopted him. Gavin’s daily routine includes walks on our neighborhood trail, helping me at the community garden, playing in the backyard with my other pups, and snuggling up to a stuffed toy while I work from home.
Adopting Gavin has enriched my life as much as it has his. I’m grateful every day that APA! saved him and provided medical care after his accident. To show my thanks, I volunteer with the dogs at the TLAC location most days. I enjoy spending time with the weird ones, the super high energy ones, and the specially-abled ones.
Adopting, fostering, or simply taking a shelter pup on a sleepover for a couple of weeks supports APA!’s mission of eliminating the killing of companion animals. Taking just one APA! dog home, opens up kennel space to allow APA! to pull from other shelters and avoid euthanasia.
While Gavin needs a wheelchair to be on the move, much of his day is spent in the same way any other dog spends their day — exploring the world with their people, enjoying some meals and treats, and snuggling at the end of the day.
We’re so glad that Frankie’s heart and home opened for Gavin and love that we are given the privilege of Frankie’s time and a window into the charmed life that Gavin has with Frankie!
“It sounded like a bomb went off in a movie. It was the loudest sound I’ve heard in my life, it was just a ringing,” Abigail Winters recalls, after being shot three times by her ex-boyfriend.
Winters, 23, from Kansas City, Missouri, was with her ex-boyfriend for several years, even welcoming a child together in 2021. She admits that there were red flags for a long time, but after their son, Staisles, was born, she made the decision to separate for his sake.
“He wanted to control who I was talking to on the phone, what I was doing, who my friends were, what I wore,” Winters told Newsweek. “I didn’t think leaving him was ever on the cards because I just wanted to help. I always thought that the world had wronged him, and I just wanted to be there for him.”
Several months after separating, the tattoo artist met her current boyfriend, Jordan Taylor, 23, on Tinder in February 2022. They instantly hit it off and Winters was grateful to finally be in a happy and healthy relationship.
Abigail Winters, 23, pictured during her pregnancy and after having her son, in 2021. Winters left her ex-partner shortly after her son was born in 2021 as she didn’t want to expose her son to any unhealthy behaviors. @snapbackssandtattoos / TikTok
When word got to her ex-partner that she was with someone new, he was blinded by jealousy and did everything he could to disrupt their relationship. This led to a shocking sequence of events on May 2, 2022, when Winters went to visit him at their old apartment where he shot her three times.
She continued: “I remember every single part of the shooting. I was texting my boyfriend, telling him I was sorry that I was there because I knew I wasn’t supposed to be. I heard something, and I looked up and I saw him behind the biggest gun I had ever seen.
“I put my hands up to try to protect my face and he shot me through my fingers. Then I remember looking at my hands and seeing the blood and thinking that in movies they put pressure on it. So, I took my hand and I tried to put pressure on my face, and when I did there was nothing there.”
Abigail Winters, 23, from Kansas City, pictured with her son Staisles. Winters was shot by her ex-partner in May 2022, requiring surgery on her heart, lung, spine, and face. @snapbackssandtattoos / TikTok
Intimate partner violence is a serious public health problem in the U.S which has a profound and lifelong impact on the victims. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that 41 percent of women and 26 percent of men will experience it at some point in their lifetimes.
Physical violence can include firearm offences, for which women are often targeted by perpetrators due to their sex, and it’s regularly by people they know. According to a study published in 2016, around 4.5 million women had been threatened by an intimate partner with a gun, and almost 1 million had been non-fatally shot.
Winters never expected to be part of those statistics, but state law in Missouri permits people to carry concealed handguns in public without a license, and without any background checks. There is also no part of the law which prohibits domestic abusers from possessing guns, often putting their victims at risk.
The new mom was immediately taken to hospital where she underwent two heart surgeries, as well as surgery on her lung, face, and spine. The gunshots to her face had broken her cheekbone, causing the whites of her eye “to fall out,” leaving her blind in one eye and requiring a prosthetic eyeball.
In the aftermath, Winters was informed by local police that her ex had turned the gun on himself and ended his own life. The news only compounded her grief because he would never know what he put her through or face the repercussions.
“I was supposed to die, there’s no medical reason I should be here. I deserve for him to understand what he put me through, he’s never going to see my face and what he did to me.”
Abigail Winters pictured in hospital following the shooting in 2022. Winters required numerous surgeries following the shooting, which left her with permanent scarring on her face and without one eye. @snapbackssandtattoos
Experiencing an abusive or controlling relationship is traumatic and devastating for any individual to go through, which can have reverberations for years thereafter. Mental health administrator Alea Jackson encourages people to recognize the signs of coercive control early and to take action.
“This type of relationship creates an unequal power dynamic between the perpetrator and the victim. Many people report not recognizing the signs of controlling behavior because it may not include physical violence,” Jackson, of Riverside University Health Systems, told Newsweek.
“It involves a pattern of behaviors that goes beyond physical violence and strips the individual of their autonomy, leaving them feeling trapped and powerless.”
Warning signs of a controlling relationship may include:
Isolation
Monitoring and Surveillance
Manipulation and Gaslighting
Jealousy and Possessiveness
Micromanaging
Financial Control
Emotional Abuse
Threats and Intimidation
Sexual Coercion
Lack of Boundaries
Blaming and Shifting Responsibility
Emotional Rollercoaster
She encourages anyone who fears they may be experiencing this to seek help, in order to prevent further harm. She added that the pattern of behavior can lead to physical violence down the line, so understanding the signs early on is vital.
Abigail Winters, 23, pictured in the hospital following the shooting that took place in May 2022. Following the shooting, Winters required surgery on her heart, lung, and on her face, leaving her with permanent scarring. @snapbackssandtattoos
‘I Could Not Understand Why Someone Would Love Me’
Overcoming that trauma has been a constant battle for Winters, both physically and mentally. She has been left wondering why she survived and struggling to recover her sense of identity after being changed forever.
Winters told Newsweek: “It’s very strange to be a medical mystery, and I don’t really know why I’m here. I think it has something to do with the fact that I wasn’t ready to leave my boyfriend or my son. I knew that life still had more for me, and I knew that I could help people.”
As she reflects on that day she’s left with countless questions, but the one person who has been able to help her find resolve is Taylor, who stayed by her side throughout.
At first, she feared that the only reason Taylor stayed with her was “out of pity” and because he didn’t want to look bad for leaving. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth, and the recovery would have been very different if he wasn’t there to support her.
“I physically could not understand why somebody would love me. It’s very hard for me to love myself and I’m very insecure, as I struggle a lot with depression and PTSD. But I can see myself being happy in the future now, and that isn’t something I could ever foresee before.
“I definitely think it helps for Jordan and I to rely on each other. At the end of the day, he is there for me, and he loves me and he’s going to show me the kindness that I deserve.”
Abigail Winters, 23, pictured with her boyfriend Jordan Taylor, also 23. The couple met online shortly after Winters ended her previous relationship, and she felt an instant connection with him and she knew it was right. @snapbackssandtattoos / TikTok
The shooting didn’t only affect Winters, as she added that Taylor has also had to overcome a sense of guilt that he wasn’t there when she was shot. The young couple have lived through something that very few can understand, and relying on each other has helped create an unbreakable bond.
Not only has it improved her mental state, but it’s changed her goals for the future too.
“My relationship has changed the way I view the world. I know there’s kindness and there’s gentle love. My ex and I never kissed, we never held hands, we had no physical connection, but I have all of that with my boyfriend now,” Winters said.
“I never wanted this before in my life, but I want to get married now. I never wanted to be tied to someone like that before, as I didn’t want to feel as though I couldn’t escape. But now I do want that.”
‘I Want to Save One Person From Being Me’
In 2023, a year after the shooting, Winters shared her story in a series of TikTok videos (@snapbackssandtattoos) to answer people’s questions, and to shed light on her experience.
One of her most popular videos has been viewed more than 5.4 million times, and received over 267,000 likes, as Winters explained that sharing her story is “the only justice [she] will ever get.”
Abigail Winters, 23, pictured in hospital after the shooting, and beside her new partner. Winters claims that her ex grew jealous of her current relationship, leading to his devastating actions. @snapbackssandtattoos
Being so vulnerable and personal was a difficult decision at first, but connecting with other survivors has been so rewarding.
Winters told Newsweek: “Usually, I get very positive responses. I get survivors saying that they understand and telling me that they’re here for me, and they’ve been through it too. We’re all here to share our stories with each other and grow.
“I want to save one person from being me, and to show what could happen with an abusive relationship. I never thought that this would happen to me. I never thought that I would live and have to overcome all of this. I just want to let all the survivors know that you can do this, and you deserve love.”
Anyone seeking help should call The National Domestic Violence Hotline, a free and confidential hotline available 24/7 that can be reached on 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. The Hotline also provides information on local resources. For more information, visit https://www.thehotline.org/.
Newsweek reached out to Kansas City Police Department on 10/17/23 to provide comment, but did not receive a response.
Have you noticed any red flags that made you end a relationship? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Backhanded compliments seem like compliments but actually contain subtle criticism or insincerity. Can you differentiate between actual compliments and backhanded compliments that you might be receiving or unintentionally giving out in your daily lives? Take this short quiz to find out.
Backhanded compliments are comments that contain flattery, but also include a comparison with negative implications. And they are common. Research says backhanded compliments are ineffective as compliments because recipients focus less on the compliment and more on the comparison to a negative standard, but this focus reduces both their perceptions of their ability and their motivation.
So, understanding what backhanded compliments are can help you find a calmer way to deal with them so that they do not diminish your self-esteem, and also educate you on giving better compliments that do not seem fake or ingenuine.
Love is said to be the most powerful force in life, it is a powerful bond. Some people find it difficult to express love or even accept love, but when you do, it can be quite a bliss. With love comes joy, peace, pain, hope.
I hope these beautiful quotes inspire you to embrace love and teach to be open to love.
Inspiring Love Quotes
“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”— James Baldwin
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”— Lucille Ball
“’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”— Alfred Lord Tennyson
“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.”— Vincent Van Gogh
“If you would be loved, love, and be loveable.”— Benjamin Franklin
“If I know what love is, it is because of you.”— Herman Hesse
“I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.”— Roy Croft
“The art of love is largely the art of persistence.”— Albert Ellis
“It takes courage to love, but pain through love is the purifying fire which those who love generously know. We all know people who are so much afraid of pain that they shut themselves up like clams in a shell and, giving out nothing, receive nothing and therefore shrink until life is a mere living death.”— Eleanor Roosevelt
“Don’t brood. Get in with living and loving. You don’t have forever.”— Leo Buscaglia
“At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.”— Plato
“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever.”— Alfred Tennyson
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”— Marcus Aurelius
“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”— Maya Angelou
“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.”— George Sand
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”— Rumi
“Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.”— Lao Tzu
“You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness.”— Julia Roberts
“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.”— Oscar Wilde
“Love in its essence is spiritual fire.”— Seneca
“We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.”— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
“When we are in love we seem to ourselves quite different from what we were before.”— Blaise Pascal
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”— Charles Schulz
“The way to love anything is to realize that it may be lost.”— Gilbert K. Chesterton
“The only thing we never get enough of is love; and the only thing we never give enough of is love.”— Henry Miller
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”— Oprah Winfrey
“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”– Buddha
“You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”— Dr. Seuss
“Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.”— Khalil Gibran
“When you adopt the viewpoint that there is nothing that exists that is not part of you, that there is no one who exists who is not part of you, that any judgment you make is self-judgment, that any criticism you level is self-criticism, you will wisely extend to yourself an unconditional love that will be the light of the world.”– Harry Palmer
“Once the realization is accepted that even between the closest human beings infinite distances continue, a wonderful living side by side can grow, if they succeed in loving the distance between them which makes it possible for each to see the other whole against the sky.”— Rainer Maria Rilke
“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”— Morrie Schwartz
“Love will find a way through paths where wolves fear to prey.”— Lord Byron
“Love is a friendship set to music.”— Joseph Campbell
German Shepherd pup Wile E. Coyote was deeply in need of help when he arrived at Austin Pets Alive! (APA!). He was so emaciated that he could not stand or walk. Then Katie Plunkard entered his world and decided to foster the shy, sweet-faced puppy.
“This sweet boy was my first foster experience and, boy, was it more than I bargained for. He was in such rough shape but the payoff in watching him overcome it all and get back to 100% has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she said.
Under her diligent watch, Wile was given the time, space, care and love he needed to begin to heal. In just five days, he was able to walk for short periods, forcing her to puppy-proof his environment. “This boy is on the move, but after about 30 seconds of walking he naps for a few hours. He still has a long way to go but he’s making strides,” she said.
It was impossible to not fall in love with Wile’s determination to succeed. Over the next few weeks, she watched him thrive and come into his own. “This guy is brightening up every day! He’s gaining weight, can get himself up the stairs and onto the couch most days, and his personality is coming through more and more,” she said.
Eventually, it was time for him to venture beyond the backyard, so Plunkard took Wile on his first hike with her own dogs. “Even though I want him to gain weight, German Shepherd dogs need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to satisfy their working breed drive.” The adventure was a great success.
Soon, Wile E. was ready for adoption, and thanks to the amazing foster care he received with Plunkard he found a warm and loving new home. “I love him more than most of y’all will ever understand so it is bittersweet to send him off to his forever home. But I’m so excited for him to get all of the undivided attention and love that he so craves and deserves.”
Foster homes offer so much more to shelter pets than simply getting them out of the shelter environment. They offer warmth, human connection, soft spaces to fall down and strong hands to help them get back up. They offer space to learn and gain confidence. Most importantly, they offer the love that every being has the right to know.
Fall in love with Wile E Coyote and follow along on this foster’s journey! Watch these amazing Instagram Reels to see this beautiful progress – from the car ride to Plunkard’s home to finding his adoptive home!
Just lost my oldest cat tootsie today bros. Some people say they’re just animals ,but they come into your life and bring you love and happiness that they become apart of your family. She was a great cat and i just wanted to show you guys a picture of her. She will be missed. Thanks.
About two years ago, one of my psychiatry patients was giving me particular trouble. He had depression, and despite his usual chattiness, I just couldn’t find a way to engage him on our Zoom calls. He seemed to be avoiding eye contact and stayed quiet, giving only short answers to my questions. I worried he would drop out of treatment, so I suggested that we do something I rarely do with patients: go for a walk.
We met at a park on a brisk fall day and sat on a bench when we were done. Among the few people nearby was a group of workers, who were cleaning the grounds, chatting loudly, and obviously having fun. As I tried to ask my patient about his studies, he kept breaking eye contact with me to look at the workers. Just as we were finishing, he became tearful and said that he felt very lonely. It was the most he’d opened up to me in many months, and I was relieved. Perhaps the sight of these convivial young men was a reminder of his painful isolation that he simply couldn’t ignore. Or perhaps the act of walking together had finally made him comfortable enough to open up. Either way, it never would have happened on Zoom or in my office.
My experience with my patient runs contrary to the American fixation on attention. At work, we are lauded for displaying unbroken focus on the task at hand, while some companies punish employees for taking too many breaks away from their computer. With friends, we are expected to be active and engaged listeners, something that demands nearly constant awareness. Being hyper-focused on what people are saying and trying hard not to break your attention might seem like a way to fast-forward a friendship and make meaningful connections. But in fact, that level of intensity can make you feel less connected to other people. If you really want to nurture a relationship, shared distraction might be more powerful.
If you’ve ever defused an awkward social situation with unrelated small talk or an icebreaker game, you’re already familiar with the social benefits of distraction. Indeed, a handful of studies, while not investigating distraction per se, have suggested that engaging in a shared distracting activity, such as physical exercise, can enhance feelings of social connectedness and pleasure. This is in stark contrast to the alienating, alone-together experience of people who each engage in their own distracting activity, such as staring at their smartphone.
Although the mechanism by which distraction might increase a feeling of social connectedness is unclear, there are some plausible explanations. Engaging in physical activity, even one as gentle as walking, has been associated with a substantial increase in creative, divergent, and associative thinking—perhaps because moving takes our focus away from ourselves. Creative thinking, in turn, has the potential to move the conversation along in unpredictable ways, perhaps activating the neural reward pathways that rejoice in novelty and thereby making us delight more in one another’s presence. And moving isn’t strictly necessary for the creative benefits of distraction to occur: A 2022 study published in Nature found that just taking note of one’s environment can enhance creative thinking.
That study also found that pairs working together virtually were less likely to notice their surroundings; instead, they spent more time looking directly at each other’s images. This is decidedly not good for conversation. Staring at a social partner’s face is cognitively and emotionally exhausting, and can be a sign of a domineering nature. Just as you’ve probably experienced the social benefits of distraction, you’ve also probably noticed the social drawbacks of too much intensity. Years ago, hundreds of thousands of people, myself included, went to the Museum of Modern Art to see the Serbian conceptual artist Marina Abramović’s classic performance piece, in which she sat at a small wooden table, staring silently and impassively for several minutes at the face of any visitor who sat across from her. The encounters were uncomfortable at best, and grueling at worst. By removing nearly all ambient stimulation and props, Abramović had underscored their crucial importance.
The discomfort of extended eye contact helps explain why having natural-seeming, friendship-enforcing interactions over platforms like Zoom and FaceTime can be so difficult: They largely remove the rich world of distractions and force us to stare at the face of our social partner. But for most of us, some degree of virtual connection is unavoidable. For example, a recent Pew Research Center survey estimated that more than 30 percent of employed American adults continue to work largely by Zoom, and even more on a hybrid schedule. But we can still leverage the social advantages of distraction even when we can’t physically be with friends and loved ones.
One idea is simply to turn off your camera, and thereby remove the option of staring intently into each other’s pixelated eyes. During the height of the pandemic, I taught my residents by Zoom and became very frustrated when they switched off their video. I thought they were zoning out, but perhaps they were stretching or pacing about their apartment, getting a small dose of distraction and making their Zoom experience richer. The reason it felt annoying to me was because it was one-sided; maybe we would have had a better, more creative dialogue if we had all gone off camera together. At the other extreme, try leaving your video on and picking a conversation-starting background, or taking your conversation partner on a virtual tour of your surroundings, or playing a game together. If your friend spaces out, don’t take offense as I did. Ask them what they just saw or imagined and let the conversation flow.
When you have the luxury of face-to-face contact, skip the staring contest and get out in the world together. You’ll be surprised at the places that can nurture conversation: a lively bar, a challenging fitness class, the sidelines of a riotous parade. Shouting over the noise can be a bonding experience. But be sure you don’t pick something that’s too distracting—otherwise you’ll each be in your own bubble of experience. That happened to me a few years ago, zip-lining with my husband in the Catskill Mountains. It was fun, but ultimately an exercise of being alone together. We debriefed later.
There’s a time and place for intense, focused conversation, if not intense, focused eye contact. If your friend comes to you in a crisis, or your partner is in the middle of confessing their love, they probably won’t appreciate you pointing out the guy with his pet scarlet macaw passing by (yes, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this a few times in New York City). But mostly, we stand to benefit when we allow a little bit of the world to intrude.
