Characteristics: intelligent, clever, refined
Meaning: Baja blue exudes refined tranquility and wisdom.
When to use it: Use Baja blue to boost your concentration and create a space where your intellectual side can blossom. It’s a great color for an office or workspace.
8) August: Sun Orange
Characteristics: Luminous, self-assured, influential
Meaning: The sun is a powerful star, and so are you.
When to use it: If you want to be your biggest cheerleader or boost your confidence, try sun orange as a color throughout your home or office.
Photo: ©I am waiting for the request – Getty Images
Small talk often gets a bad rap. It can feel awkward, superficial and pointless at times — if you’re doing it wrong.
But it’s one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal to build relationships, exude a strong presence and even lift your mood.
The problem with most small talk is that it’s happening on autopilot, which means that people are asking questions they can already predict the answers to, such as:
When you ask autopilot questions, you can almost guarantee you’ll get autopilot responses:
Want the antidote to autopilot small talk? Use conversational threading.
Conversational threading is a technique that leads to more meaningful interactions by creating or pulling on “threads” — or compelling little tidbits that encourage more flowing and interesting conversation.
It can help you have better conversations in your personal and professional life, whether you’re in a job interview, at a networking event, in a team meeting, at a party, or in line at a coffee shop.
Here’s how to use it:
Let’s say you’re asked the autopilot question “How was your weekend?” Instead of giving a rote answer, you might say: “My weekend was great! I went hiking and celebrated my niece’s birthday.” You’ve now offered two threads: They can ask about your hike or your niece.
Here are a few more examples to help you improve your replies to common small talk prompts:
Question: “What brings you to [place/event]?”
Autopilot answer: “I’m here for work.”
Better answer: “I’m here hoping to learn more about [X topic] to help my team achieve [Y goal]. I’m excited to meet others looking to do similar things. How about yourself?”
Question: “How are you?”
Autopilot answer: “I’m good. Busy as usual, you know how it is!”
Better answer: “I’m good! Work has been keeping me on my toes, but I just started a new project that I’m really excited about. How about you?”
Question: “How’s it going?”
Autopilot answer: “Things are good on my end.”
Better answer: “I’ve been focused on wrapping up [X project], and I’m excited to share it at the all-hands next week. I’d love to hear your thoughts after!”
Active listening is key if you want to identify threads to pull on. For example, if you ask someone where they’re from and they respond with “San Francisco,” our natural inclination is to then share where we are from, and then the conversation might fall flat.
Instead, pull on that thread of information you’ve been given and ask a follow up question like, “What’s your favorite part about living there?”
You can also share your own experiences with San Francisco to keep the conversation going. When you share more about yourself, it can often prompt the other person to be more open to sharing as well.
If you’re stuck on how to continue a conversation because the other person isn’t giving you any threads to pull on, make an observation about something you see. This works particularly well in situations like video calls, where you can comment on or ask about something in that person’s background, like a piece of art or photo (or the virtual background they’ve selected).
You can encourage more engaging conversation by tweaking your small talk questions to better facilitate conversational threading. For example:
Common question: “How are you?”
Better question: “What are you excited to be working on?”
Common question: “How was your weekend?
Better question: “What was the highlight of your weekend?”
Common question: “What brought you to this event?”
Better question: “What’s been your favorite takeaway so far?”
Having a few go-to questions in your back pocket can be especially helpful if you’re still practicing this technique.
Tweaking your small talk questions and responses to use more positive language — words like “excited,” “highlight” and “favorite” — primes you and the other person to think about your conversation more positively.
Try using positive words as you provide and pull-on threads next time you talk to someone. I’m excited for you to have deeper, more interesting conversations from here on out.
Source: cnbc.com©
Related: 7 Ways to Start a Conversation that Leads Where You Want It to – TUTORING YOU
7) July: Coral Blush
Characteristics: Open-minded, supportive, tender
Meaning: Coral blush is known to attract romantic love and support.
When to use it: If you need the help of others or feel the need for some company, consider incorporating coral blush.
Photo by ©cc-stock – Getty Images
Spanning hundreds of miles along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico (recently renamed the Gulf of America by President Trump), you’ll find some of Florida’s world-famous beaches that welcome over 140 million tourists yearly and attract residents and retirees alike to plant roots in the southern state.
With its sunny climate, endless activities, and no state tax, Florida is a desirable destination to live, but Yawar Charlie, a senior real estate agent, warns to think twice before buying property. “When it comes to real estate, not every sunny spot in the Sunshine State is a wise investment.”
“Investing in real estate is about more than just sunshine and palm trees. It’s crucial to look at economic stability, growth potential, and environmental risks.” Charlie explained, “Before you get swept up by the allure of Florida’s warm weather, make sure you’re also considering the financial forecast. Being well-informed and strategic will help you spot the true gems in the market!”
He shared the five cities in Florida to hold off on buying property in the next five years and why.
Known for its pristine beaches, lively nightlife and world-class dining, Miami Beach might be a great vacation or wild Spring Break hotspot, but according to Charlie, this is one place to avoid buying property.
“Yes, Miami Beach is glamorous, but the rising sea levels and increasing frequency of hurricanes pose significant risks,” he stated. “The cost of insuring properties is soaring, and the potential for long-term value depreciation is real. It’s like buying a beautiful beachfront home with a ticking time bomb in the basement.”
Another popular spot in Florida is Daytona Beach, which has 23 miles of white-sand beaches perfect for surfing, swimming, windsurfing and kayaking. Plus it’s affordable, but don’t let its beauty and low cost of living entice you to invest.
“While it may be famous for its speedway, Daytona Beach struggles with economic stagnation and high crime rates,” Charlie explained. One in 28 people has a chance of becoming a victim of a violent or property crime, per Neighborhood Scout.
In addition, “The real estate market has been sluggish, and without major economic development, property values are likely to remain flat,” Charlie said. “Investing here might leave you feeling stuck in the pit stop.”
Fort Myers is another beautiful spot for enjoying the beach and relaxing, but Charlie advised against investing there.
“Despite its appeal to retirees, Fort Myers faces issues with overdevelopment and environmental concerns, particularly regarding water quality,” he shared. “The housing market has been volatile, and long-term growth prospects are uncertain. It’s a bit like buying a flashy car that might just run out of gas.”
Pensacola’s picture-perfect turquoise and sparkly white sandy beaches are the ultimate escape, but Charlie warned homebuyers to stay away.
“This city has faced economic challenges and limited job growth, which impacts the housing market,” he said. “High crime rates and a lack of new development projects make it less appealing to investors.”
According to Neighborhood Scout, crime is 86% higher than in other cities in the state and 1 in 33 people have the chance of becoming a victim of a violent or property crime.
“Investing here could feel like trying to catch a wave in a kiddie pool,” Charlie stated.
Ocala is a pretty, clean and budget-friendly city, but watch your wallet. “Ocala has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes — from the smallest towns to the very largest cities,” per Neighborhood Scout.
And according to Charlie, there are other reasons to be concerned.
“While affordable, Ocala’s real estate market is hindered by slow economic growth and limited amenities,” he said. “The area is heavily reliant on agriculture, which can be volatile. It’s a quiet town, but that tranquility might come at the cost of your investment’s growth. Think of it as putting your money into a time capsule with no guarantee of future rewards.”
Source: GOBankingRates©
6) June: Aspen Gold
Characteristics: Inspiring, invigorating, illuminated
Meaning: Basic in the illumination of aspen gold for a quick burst of inspiration and energy.
When to use it: Do you need to communicate something important at work or home? Surround yourself with aspen gold for a confidence boost.
©Photography by Deb Snelson – Getty Images
The Zodiac is a circle of twelve 30-degree divisions of celestial longitude that are centered upon the ecliptic: the apparent path of the Sun across the sky over the course of the year. The term “Zodiac” comes from the Greek word “zodiakos,” meaning “circle of animals.” Each of the twelve divisions corresponds to a specific constellation. These divisions are used in astrology to determine a person’s personality traits, relationships, and future events.
The twelve Zodiac signs are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sign is associated with specific personality traits and characteristics. For example, Aries is known for being energetic and adventurous. Taurus is known for being reliable and practical. These signs are based on the position of the Sun at the time of a person’s birth and are used in astrology to provide insights into a person’s life and relationships.
Astrology is the study of the movements and positions of celestial bodies, such as the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. In addition, what’s their influence on human affairs and natural events. Astrologers believe that the positions of these celestial bodies can have an impact on a person’s personality, relationships, and future events. Astrology is often used to provide guidance and insights into a person’s life and decisions.
Zodiac signs are determined based on the position of the Sun at the time of a person’s birth. Each sign corresponds to a specific time period, typically lasting about a month. For example, Aries is associated with people born between March 21 and April 19. Taurus is associated with people born between April 20 and May 20.
In modern society, astrology plays a significant role in many people’s lives. Many consult astrologers for guidance on various aspects of their lives, such as relationships, career choices, and health issues. Astrology is also used in business and politics, where it is used to make decisions about important events and to gain insights into future trends.
Astrology has also gained popularity in popular culture, with many people reading their horoscopes in newspapers and magazines. Basically, following astrology blogs and social media accounts. Many people believe that astrology can provide valuable insights into their lives and help them make informed decisions about their future.
Overall, astrology continues to be a widely practiced and respected field that provides guidance and insights into the lives of many people around the world. Whether you believe in astrology or not, it is clear that the Zodiac signs and astrology have a significant impact on modern society and culture.
Aries: March 21 – April 19
Taurus: April 20 – May 20
Gemini: May 21 – June 21
Cancer: June 22 – July 22
Leo: July 23 – August 22
Virgo: August 23 – September 22
Libra: September 23 – October 23
Scorpio: October 24 – November 21
Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21
Capricorn: December 22 – January 19
Aquarius: January 20 – February 18
Pisces: February 19 – March 20
Source: sentinelmission.org©
Related: https://tutoringyou.org/zodiac-signs-just-wondering-if-you-are-into-this/
You’ve made lists. You’ve asked your friends for advice. You’ve tried journaling and you’ve analyzed every thought you’ve ever had. Yet, you’re still asking yourself, “what is my passion?”
That’s because passion comes from the heart, not the head. Chances are, you already know what your passion is. You just need to connect with it.
For many, living a life of passion feels unrealistic. Because they feel this way, some people aren’t optimistic about changing. If you enter the journey to discover your passion with this mindset, you’re setting yourself up for failure. The only way to succeed in finding your passion for life is to shift your mindset to one of positivity and possibility.
As human beings, we all have Six Human Needs: certainty, significance, variety, love/connection, growth and contribution. Life is a delicate balance between these, but we all have one top need that is most essential to our happiness. Discovering your driving force can give you a window into how to find your passion for life by showing you what you need most to feel fulfilled.
Look at your bookshelf, favorite movies or the last play you saw – is there a common theme? Think about your favorite summer job or the last time you got so caught up in a project, you completely lost track of time. Think about what you loved to do as a child – drawing, writing, dancing. So often, we give up our passions when we become adults because we think we have to grow into something we aren’t. This isn’t true. Tap into the activities and topics that used to fill you up when you were younger.
Your hobbies aren’t necessarily the same as your true passion, but they can provide a hint. If you spend a lot of your free time reading, your passion could involve writing, teaching or research – anything that feeds your mind the way reading does. If you enjoy fixing things around the house, your passion likely involves creating and building. If you enjoy dancing or exercising, you are probably drawn to movement and expression. Think deeper about your extracurriculars and you could uncover your passion.
Source: tonyrobbins.com©
This is a really good question!
Some people feel the call of creativity to become artists or writers. Others are simply born to become astronauts or librarians. But there isn’t always one solitary beacon of passion guiding our lives.
In fact, if you’re like most people, you may have held a lot of jobs in your lifetime, and your professional CV might look very different than how you spend your down time. Perhaps you’re a CEO of an energy company who likes to oil paint in her spare time (financial/admin/technical/creative), or a lobbyist who enjoys running marathons (enterprising/people service/mechanical).
You don’t have to be driven by one singular, solitary purpose to be successful and happy in your work. You simply need to find a career path that feels right, and that you are good at.
In recruitment, we call this job fit. One way we measure job fit is by looking at a person’s interests and how well they align with the requirements of a particular job. Strong interest matches show how motivated individuals will be to perform different tasks, and how much enjoyment they may find in a particular role.
Assess six possible interests. Obviously, the list is not exhaustive, and because interests can be satisfied outside of work similar to the examples above, the interests list makes for a lower percentage of the overall job fit score and might lead to a passion of sorts. The list includes:
Finding a job that leads to genuine passion or fulfillment starts first with understanding yourself. What do you think your personal top three interests are from the list above? Once this is understood you can begin thinking strategically about finding a role where work doesn’t feel like work. It feels more like a calling.
Characteristics: Revitalizing, energizing, turning over a new leaf
Meaning: Bud green is the color of new beginnings, whether you are entering a new phase in life or starting a new challenge.
When to use it: If you want a new beginning or to energize your current situation, consider bud green as a color choice for clothing or a paint color.
Photo by ©magdasmith – Getty Images
Why Plants Soothe Us
Humans have an innate bond with nature. Wandering in forest preserves or simply gazing upon greenery calms and steadies your autonomic nervous system, which controls actions like your heartbeat and breathing. Even if just for a few moments, you’re transported away from the stresses of your day.
Having plants indoors brings the benefits to you. Fake foliage won’t cut it—studies have shown artificial flowers and plants don’t have the same effect. Choosing and nurturing your own plant seems to amplify the benefits.
The lavender plant lowers stress rates and has been used in medicine for years to calm mind and aid in depression.
A lovely and beautiful smell, Jasmine has been found to calm the nervous system similarly to Valium.
Not only is aloe good for your skin and hair health, it also aids in purifying air and emitting oxygen to help you sleep more soundly.
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to care for, increasing your self-satisfaction and well-being. Potos also works to increase oxygen levels in your home.
Per a Clean Air Study conducted by NASA, the Snake Plant clears the air of 107 toxins while also emitting large amounts of oxygen, helping you breathe better. Snake Plants also help you feel more energized and ease the pain of headaches.
The Arceca Palm purifies your air and adding moisture into the air. In turn, breathing in the clear air created from the Areca Palm will assist in lowering anxiety and blood pressure.
As you breathe in the aroma of Peppermint, you will likely feel more alert and ready to take on your day. Add Peppermint to your bath to feel the positive effects of the plants menthol, instantly relaxing muscles and the mind.
Not just a tea, chamomile can easily be grown in your backyard garden. Used to reduce inflammation and aid in sleep, it also has a beautiful flower for your floral arrangement.
Source: thetouchpointsolution.com
