Category Archives: BALANCE

5 Times You Should Stand Up to Your Boss

Sticking up for yourself in the workplace can be ambiguous territory to navigate. Speaking up when you’re treated unfairly isn’t the easiest when you fear for your paycheck. While it’s safe to say many (if not most) of us put up with things we wouldn’t elsewhere, there is still a line to be drawn. Such is the case even when the offender is your own boss.

To be fair, our bosses are human; and maybe they don’t realize they’re doing something wrong. This means you’re probably going to have to (kindly) point it out to them. How do you know when they’re truly out of line, though? Here are five times you should stand up to your boss.

1. When They Repeatedly Disrespect Your Time

bored employee

We all run late sometimes — life happens. But has your boss repeatedly bailed on meetings, pushed back calls, not given you their undivided intention when you do meet, and then asked you to work nights and weekends, on top of it all? Not cool.

Yes, they’re in charge. But excessively disrespecting your time like that is not only rude and unprofessional, but it makes it harder for you to do your job as well as you could.

2. When They Don’t Provide a Safe Workplace

Every employee is responsible for contributing to a safe and healthy workplace environment. If someone you work with is disrupting this, though — maybe by acting inappropriately — it’s up to you to tell your boss, and your boss to ultimately fix it. And if they don’t? It’s time to have a chat with them. Nobody deserves to be uncomfortable at work.

3. When You’re Being Overworked and Underpaid

company meeting

Have you been at your job for a couple years? Do you go above and beyond, and cater to your boss’s every need? Do you sacrifice personal time for the sake of the job? Well, it might be time to cut back… or at the very least, get a raise. True, we like to go that extra mile to really impress our superior. But at some point, it’s not so much going the extra mile as it is getting taken advantage of. If you’re not being compensated fairly, say something!

4. When You’re Being Overly Micromanaged

If you can’t scratch yourself without your boss telling you how to do it, something’s not right. Okay, we all have a boss for a reason: to help guide us as we fulfill our responsibilities. However, you were also hired because you excel in that position, and you know things other people don’t. You should have the freedom to exercise your intelligence. If your boss is seriously cramping your style, ask for some wiggle room so you can kick butt at the office.

5. When You Don’t Have the Logistical Support You Need

employee and boss talking

Are you lacking basic materials like computer paper, binders, writing utensils, or other necessary office items? Is there a software or computer program you could really benefit from? Whether it’s due to a tight budget or illogically strict rules, when you don’t have the tools you need to do your job, you need to have a conversation with the boss about it. Sure, sometimes we all need to be a little resourceful; but even that has its limits.

8 Things to Stop Doing on Social Media Immediately

It’s a brand new year; and along with the 2016 presidential election and overlining our lips, there are a few things we all need to say adios to — including these eight things to stop doing on social media, like, yesterday. Let me be clear: I’m allowed to make fun of these social media faux pas because I’m guilty of nearly every single one. I don’t know when exactly we all started feeling the need to document every moment of our lives, as if they were that exciting. I mean, I know how much everyone loves seeing pictures of my dogs and videos of my workouts on Instagram, but it’s getting a bit excessive. Cell phone addiction is a serious problem; and even if it wasn’t, the mere thought of another year of over-the-top mirror selfies makes me want to cartwheel off a mountain.

So, without further ado, here are eight things we all need to stop doing on social media pronto.

1. Driving Selfies

Most people are bad drivers to begin with. I’m shocked to think that one day, someone actually said, “It’d be a really good idea to take pictures of my face while I drive.” I don’t know about you, but I have to take about 40 selfies to get just one viable image. It requires perfect positioning, flawless light, and impeccable make-up. Otherwise, I look like an alien. Do us all a favor: While you’re driving, keep your hands on 10 and 2, and save the selfies for your Starbucks drinks.

2. Duck Lips

things to stop doing on social media
There’s a secret to these chicks on Instagram who have enormous lips: It’s called Restylane and Juvederm, and it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 a pop. Your lips are beautiful just the way they are. We can’t all be Angelina Jolie.

3. #Blessed

This is a big one with celebrities. They’ll post pictures of their chateaus and their car collections and their luxury vacations in Bora Bora, all with the hashtag #blessed. That’s a nice sentiment there, but you’re also just #rich and #successful and #youhavereallynicethings.

4. Gym Mirror Selfies

gym mirror selfie

Why, God? Why? Your workouts still count even if you don’t post about them. I know we love to show everyone how jacked and swole we are, and the occasional gym selfie here and there won’t harm anyone. But please, don’t abuse it. Now get back to your dumbbell curls.

5. Relationship Drama

I have Facebook friends I’ve never met and yet somehow I know the most intimate details of their personal relationships. How can this be? Call me crazy, but if there’s drama in my life, I tend not to share it with my 3,000 closest internet friends.

6. Passive-Aggressive Statuses

Scrolling through my Facebook feed every day, I find at least one status to the effect of, “I’m so done with toxic people.” “I’m a good person and I deserve more than this.” And my absolute favorite: “Why?” Listen. If you’re going to give us an inch, give us the whole mile. I want to know all the dirty details. Otherwise, zip the lips.

7. Checking in at the Gas Station

And the cleaners. And the grocery store. People don’t need to know you’re at CVS. Please refrain.

8. Overabundant Food Pictures

thing to stop doing on social media
I love food photography as much as the next person. If you’ve got one heck of a meal in front of you and you know how to take a good pic, go for it, so I have something new to drool over. But you don’t see me posting pictures of my toast and sweet potatoes, now, do you? No. No, you do not. Unimpressive.

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day When You’re Single

Being single is awesome. You get sole control of the remote. You can sleep in the middle of the bed as much as you damn well please. There’s no one to debate the ~proper~ way to fold a fitted sheet. (Clearly, the answer is to roll it up into a ball and throw it in the closet like it doesn’t exist.) But let’s get real. Like really real. If you’re single, Valentine’s Day bites the big one.

Why wouldn’t it? The second New Year’s is over, every store on the planet unveils an extensive display of chocolates, flowers, and stuffed animals, all for that special someone. What about all the #singleladies out there? Do we not deserve a box of Russell Stover chocolates, a ridiculously overpriced teddy bear holding a heart that says “Be Mine,” and a romantic night to celebrate the love we have for… ourselves?

If you’re flying solo and currently loathe Valentine’s Day with every fiber of your being, I’m here to tell you everything is going to be okay. Not only does Valentine’s Day not have to suck, but you can actually live it up in all your singleness. Here are four ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you’re single.

Treat Yourself To A Subscription Box Just For Single Ladies


These days, there are subscription boxes for everything – and that includes single gals. Singles Swag features hand-picked organic beauty products, snacks and treats, stylish accessories, books, and more. Valentine’s Day will be so not boring this year with these awesome goodies. Win!

Take Advantage of Holiday Sales

via GIPHY

Maybe you’ve been avoiding the stores so that you don’t have to see all the disgusting, romantic, lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day stuff. But! You might want to grab your purse and go shopping — because there are loads of sweet deals going on for the holiday. Nobody ever said you had to buy them for your significant other. RetailMeNot has discounts for everything from Nike and Old Navy to Victoria’s Secret and J. Crew.

Have a Secret Cupid Party With Your Squad

via GIPHY

There’s no better way to celebrate February 14th as a single person than by declaring it Galentine’s Day. I know, I know — technically, Galentine’s Day is February 13th. Do we really care? (No.) Round up your fellow single friends and have a Secret Cupid party — the same thing as Secret Santa. Pull names from a hat to anonymously pick people to shop for. It’s a brilliant way to make sure everyone feels loved on the most romantic day of the year.

Take a Trip

via GIPHY

So often, popular destinations cater to couples; but there are plenty of getaways you can plan that are perfect for you and only you. Depending on what you enjoy doing, consider someplace like Arizona, New York, or even Las Vegas. This list of destinations for single gals over at Trips to Discover is pretty handy.

The Littlest Resolutions That Will Change Your Life

Those gleefully optimistic “Happy New Year” cheers aren’t that far away, which means resolutions are right around the corner. However, we don’t seem to be very good at sticking with them. Unsurprisingly, a massive 80% of people’s resolutions fall to the ground by February.

While a complete overhaul may have been a little ambitious, there are still small ways you can improve your life. And, let’s be real: small, lasting changes are way better than massive ones you can’t hold down. Here are some of the littlest resolutions you can make that will have a major impact on your life.

Write Down Your Strengths Each Day

writing down resolutions

Self-acceptance. A phrase that’s easy to say and equally hard to put into practice. When surveyed, only 5% of people said they exercise self-acceptance as much as they could each day. And yet, the same piece of research from the University of Hertfordshire found this small act could be the key to a happier life. How can you start to accept yourself more?

One of the simplest things you can do is merely notice your strengths and the things you do well. The research suggests you should ask a friend to list these things for you, but you could equally do it yourself. Spend a little time each day (or each week) writing down the things you’re good at. You won’t believe the difference it makes.

Stop Saying Negative Things About Yourself

Are you guilty of putting yourself down? Once you get into this habit, it can be difficult to break. Negative talk is bad for your health, and it’s something you should stop sooner rather than later. The key to kicking the habit is noticing when you do this and making a conscious effort to cut it out. You may not even realize how often you think and/or say damning things about yourself.

Call Your Folks More Often

For many of us, our parents are the closest people to us in the world. No matter how geographically far away your folks are, you should keep them close. While we all have busy lives (no, seriously, we all do!), making the time to drop your family a line could be all it takes to lift your spirits. What’s more, they will appreciate the effort you’re making more than you know.

Don’t think of this as a chore. Instead, whenever you need someone to talk to or just have a spare moment, give them a call. Your folks know you better than anybody. Plus, they’re likely to give you some seriously stellar advice to boot. Go ahead and pick up the phone.

Cuddle Up With Your Pet Regularly

playing with dog

Personally, I strongly believe your pets can enhance your life. If you’re lucky enough to have a fuzzy, furry little creature in your life, simply cuddling up with it now and then could be enough to bring a tad more joy into your life.

In fact, a recent study from the American Psychological Association found owning a pet could enhance your overall well-being. And, let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like cuddling up on the sofa with your very best friend (read: your pet) snuggled on your lap.

Read More Books

By now, we’re all well-versed in the countless benefits of reading and understand we should make time for it. While you may have a reading list as long as your arm, making the time and space to sit down with a book is often a real stumbling block. With that in mind, set aside time each week for this activity and try to limit your distractions. You may find it helpful to set up a reading nook, complete with cozy cushions and throws.

Start Walking to Work (If You Can)

Commuting to work can be a real drag – and don’t we know it. Whether you take the tube or drive, it’s unlikely the prospect of another commute fills you with delight. Well, here’s a novel idea. Should you live near enough to your job, why not consider walking there each day? It may seem like a major effort, but not only will this change help you boost your fitness levels, but it will also make you happier.

There’s been a whole body of research into the effects walking can have on you. In 2016, a study found practicing this habit can have a positive effect on you regardless of why you happen to be doing it (in other words, just walk more!). The research suggested it can cheer you up and prevent your mood from worsening if you’re having a bad day.

Go to Bed at a Decent Time

going to bed earlier

All those super late nights could be playing havoc with your emotions. In a bid to get more “you time,” you could be burning the wick at both ends; but that’s a real mistake. Research has linked late nights and a lack of sleep to repetitive negative thoughts. In short, failing to get the rest you need on a night by night basis could be bringing you down.

Of course, many people have trouble dropping off to sleep when they hit the hay, no matter how early that may be. One of the easiest ways to combat this issue is to remove the gadgets from your bedroom. Put your phone on charge in a separate room and leave your laptop in its case. That way, you won’t be tempted to check them before bed. It may be a teeny-tiny resolution, but it could make a world of difference to your daily life.

Breakfast Bowls to Shake the Work Week Blues

With springtime at the helm of our fingertips, the vitamin D-deprived troglodytes residing within us all winter begin to get antsy sitting behind a cubicle. To help you kick any mid-week gloom, try these protein-packed, antioxidant-rich breakfast bowls for something to look forward to every morning.

Simply Berry Bowl
Photo: Christina Suttles

Simply Berry Bowl

What you’ll need:

3 to 4 cups fruit of your preference. Best used with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or mango.

1/2 cup chia seeds

1 pint plain or vanilla Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon fresh coconut flakes

Fresh granola for topping

How it’s done:

  • Wash and dry berries; cut strawberries into pieces.
  • Mix berries in a separate bowl.
  • Crack coconut and spoon out a tablespoon of fresh coconut flakes.
  • Spoon pint of Greek yogurt into bowl.
  • Add mixed berries on top of yogurt.
  • Sprinkle with a layer of granola and coconut flakes.
Banana Apple Oatmeal
Photo: Christina Suttles

Banana Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

What you’ll need:

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup oats

1 cup skim milk

1 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 banana – sliced

1 apple – sliced

1 teaspoon chia seeds

2 tablespoons granola

How it’s done:

  • In a medium pot over medium heat, stir together milk, water, vanilla and cinnamon.
  • Once boiling, add in oats, banana and apple.
  • Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Top with chia seeds and granola once oatmeal is ready.
Waffle Bowl
Photo: Christina Suttles

Strawberry Belgian Waffle Bowl

What you’ll need:

1 cup sliced strawberry

2 cups Breyers Real Fruit Strawberry Topping

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons sugar substitute

1 teaspoon baking powder

1⁄4 cup skim milk

1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1/2 cup whipped topping

How it’s done:

  • In a bowl, combine flour, sugar substitute and baking powder.
  • In another bowl, lightly beat egg yolks and add milk, butter and vanilla; mix. Stir into dry mix. Fold into batter.
  • Bake in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown.
  • In a separate bowl, mix sliced strawberries with strawberry topping until perfectly blended.
  • Dice waffle into four sections, place in bowl.
  • Top with mixed strawberry topping. Add whipped topping and other fruit of your choice.
Acai Smoothie Bowl
Photo: Christina Suttles

Acai Power Smoothie Bowl

What you’ll need:

4 ounces frozen unsweetened açai puree

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 ripe banana

1/2 cup blueberries, strawberries and blackberries

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/2 cup granola

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk

Squeeze of lime juice

How it’s done:

  • Dice banana and strawberries.
  • Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Spoon smoothie into a medium-sized bowl.
  • Top with remaining fruit and granola. Serve immediately.
Egg White Delight
Photo: Christina Suttles

Egg White Delight

What you’ll need:

2 cups liquid egg whites

1 cup fresh baby spinach

1 cup white mushroom

pinch of salt and pepper

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon coconut oil

How it’s done:

  • Spray small skillet with coconut oil. Add medium heat.
  • In a bowl, mix liquid egg whites with spinach and mushroom.
  • Pour mix into skillet.
  • Cook until whites are fluffy and firm.

Top with salt, pepper and Parmesan for flavor.

5 Things You Should Know About Rescuing a Dog

A couple of years ago, my fiance and I decided we were ready to have children; so we followed the Nevada SPCA on Facebook and started the hunt for a cute adoptable pup. Rescuing a dog was always on my to-do list, and it seemed like the perfect time. The process was smooth as butter: we couldn’t agree on a single dog, ever. Not once. I wanted to find the oldest, ugliest dog, the one no one wanted, and bring it home. He wanted a puppy who still had both eyes and no chronic diseases. Understandable.

One day, he spotted a little black ball of fur. “That’s him,” he said. “That’s the one. Let’s go get him.” He was cute, alright; but I didn’t feel the spark. Regardless, we drove down and met little Romeo. He couldn’t have cared less about us. He was more interested in sniffing the turds in the backyard of the NSPCA. Still, the fiance had a gut feeling; so that day, we adopted our first dog. He didn’t feel like a Romeo, so we named him Neo, from The Matrix, obvi.

It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made together. We enjoyed it so much, in fact, that we went back and rescued a little brother for Neo: Dood, AKA Dooder, AKA The Big Dooderino, AKA Doodie McDooderson.

Look at these ugly mugs.

my dogs
Dood + Neo, BFFs

While the process of adopting and raising two dogs who didn’t have the best beginnings (Neo was a stray, and Dood was either abused or severely neglected or both) was incredible, you should still be aware of what the experience is like, and consider whether it’s something you’re prepared for. Here are five important lessons I learned along the way.

Rescuing a Dog: 101

1. You Might Not Know the Specifics of Their History

While the shelter you adopt from will likely know at least a little bit about where this dog is coming from (and they should disclose every last detail to you), there are no promises or guarantees. When we adopted Dood, there truly were no signs of abuse. When we brought him home, however, he was so terrified of us, he hid and wouldn’t come out for days.

Even to this day, he’s scared of feet, loud noises, and sudden movements. Something happened to him with his previous owner, but we’ll probably never know what.

Don’t let this stop you from rescuing a dog. Just know they might be living with painful memories you’re not aware of. Patience is key.

toy terrier mix
“I woke up like this.” -Neo

2. They Might Not Be Socialized

Along similar lines, you might get a dog who is fine on his own but doesn’t know how to act around other dogs — or even other people, for that matter. And remember: when a dog gets scared, it can act out aggressively. This doesn’t mean they’re “bad” or “mean.” It means they’re scared. They’re protecting themselves. When I’m scared, I snarl at people too.

Again, patience is your best friend. Dogs take time to adjust to each other and to us. Dood wanted nothing to do with Neo at first. Now, they’re #squadgoals.

3. You Have to Move Fast

Dogs can be adopted in a matter of minutes. We learned pretty quickly that if the NSPCA posted a photo of a new dog, if you thought you even might be interested, you had to get down there ASAP and visit with the pooch before someone else grabbed him.

Once you’re there, it’s good to take your time with the dog and try to get a feel for its personality. Just don’t assume it’ll be there a week — or even a day — later. It’s a tough call, and yes, it’s risky; but this is how it is. Some shelters will allow you to place a hold on a dog; but even then, it’s typically not very long.

rescuing a dog from the NSPCA
Stop and smell the flowers.

4. Their Personalities Can Change Over Time — a Lot

This is so, so important. Don’t assume what you see at the shelter, or when you first bring a pup home, is what you’ll get in the long run. Dogs, like people, change over time.

I say this because in the beginning, a new dog might be scared, aggressive, or very poorly trained. But it’s only the beginning. Give ’em a chance. We were so troubled by Dood’s behavior at first, we were worried we might not be able to handle him. Now, he’s the cutest, most fun, silliest dog ever. The only solution was time. You have to give it time.

Neo was a lot easier. He just peed on the carpet a lot.

5. Rescuing a Dog is More Rewarding Than You’ll Ever Imagine

Rescuing a dog and giving it an amazing life is a feeling unlike any other. This isn’t to say you won’t experience happiness if you get a dog elsewhere. Here’s the thing, though: these pups were given up by their owners, deserted, or found roaming the streets, discarded like they didn’t matter. Maybe they’re not as self-aware as humans, but they still feel. Although they can’t talk to you, rest assured they’ll love you forever if you welcome them into your home.

When you rescue a dog and love him unconditionally, you do a really good deed.

6 Things I Learned About People From My Dog

Furry, playful, loyal: Dogs truly are man’s – and woman’s – best friend. Something about these fluffy creatures makes our hearts melt, brings out the inner child, and plain makes us happy.

How much brighter would our lives be if we treated people around us with the same tolerance and unconditional love we give our sweet, albeit sometimes smelly, companions?

Here are six things I learned from my dog that help me love my fellow human just a little bit more.

1. Dogs (and people) need a lot of attention

pug dog thinking
Image via Unsplash under license CC0

When it comes to pets, their humans really are their entire lives.

People tend to be a little less needy; but relationships require attention, nonetheless. We all have that relative who talks a little too long on the phone or the friend who always has a new issue to analyze together. Ties that take a lot of effort can be exhausting, but putting in the time to listen and be encouraging is a major foundation in all relationships. It’s also just the kind thing to do.

2. Dogs (and people) really want to please you

dog shredded paper
Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile License

Dogs just want to know “who’s a good boy,” even though sometimes, they chew up our laptop cords and pull garbage out of the trashcan.

As people, we make mistakes, too – all the time, really. But it can be hard to hide the disappointment we feel when people let us down, regardless of their intentions. It’s important to remember that, deep down, we all just want to please the people important to us. Try to cut people some slack instead of making them feel bad for simple mistakes; you will appreciate the same when you’re the one who (inevitably) slips up.

3. Dogs (and people) have to play

dog puppy playing in sand
Image via Unsplash under license CC0

Everything with a dog needs to be fun. They don’t watch TV, read books, or have conversations with their friends, so taking them out to play fetch or a little horseplay in the house is a requirement.

It’s always better if you make things fun with the people around you, too. Maybe you and your coworkers are under a deadline or you’re stressed by a home renovation with your partner; try to maintain a positive attitude, insert a little humor, and be lighthearted in your interactions. You know what they say about “all work and no play…”

4. Dogs (and people) require praise

dog tongue out playing
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

If you’ve ever had a puppy, you know that you praise just about anything good they do: when they respond to their name, pee in the right spot, let go (on command) of the oh-so-delicious piece of lint they sneakily snatched up while you were moving the laundry.

It’s nice to be appreciated for what you do, even if it’s what you’re already supposed to do. When someone does something right, it’s not only polite but really necessary to notice and thank them for their efforts.

5. Dogs (and people) want physical touch

dog chihuahua belly rubs
Image via Morguefile under the Morguefile License

People really love getting their backs scratched, their hair brushed, their bellies rubbed…wait, that’s dogs.

But being generous with hugs, and even high fives, for our human friends and family is also pretty important. According to Greater Good, people benefit greatly, both emotionally and physically, from human touch; it’s one way that we communicate compassion. For some, conveying these feelings with words may be difficult; but a hug can say and mean just as much.

6. Dogs (and people) have limited time with us

old dog black and white
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

We tend to spoil our animals. We give them extra treats, carry them when they get tired, let them sleep in our beds or sit up on the sofa, all because we know they have such a short time here with us.

We never know how much time we have with our human loved ones, either. Celebrate the small stuff. Be enthusiastic about everything, especially for seemingly insignificant events. Most importantly, just be there. If we were lucky enough to get 100 years with those we care about, it still would never be enough.

My dog, Angus
My dog, Angus

Stop Everything You’re Doing — Girl Scout Cookies are Back

Everyone, freeze. This is not a drill. Repeat: NOT A DRILL. Girl Scout cookies are back and officially on sale, and winter just got a little less miserable. Next time you visit the local grocery store, grab a box of your favorite flavor. Or 20 boxes of your favorite flavor. Or 20 boxes of every flavor. We won’t judge. This year marks the 101st anniversary of Girl Scouts selling their delicious treats, and we’re not entirely sure what people did all those years ago before the iconic cookies existed. Seriously. What did you eat?

What started as a tiny bake sale out of an Oklahoma high school cafeteria turned into a nation-wide obsession. Since then, they’ve been refining and improving all of our favorite recipes. Fun fact: one of our top picks — Thin Mints – originally began as Chocolate Mints, in 1951! This year, S’Mores will be back, with both the version that’s dipped in chocolate and the other that’s a graham cracker cookie sandwich. The verdict is still out regarding which flavor is the ~best~ of them all.

Just kidding. It’s Samoas.

Their beginnings may have been modest. But these days, Girl Scouts sell hundreds of millions of dollars in their cookies. Not bad, eh?

Winter temperatures have us shivering to the bone and refusing to leave the house. But next time you hop on the couch for a Netflix binge, don’t forget your favorite cookie. Happy snacking!

7 Movies That Will Give You the Feels

Winter is the perfect time of year to snuggle up on the couch with your favorite warm beverage and a good movie. And let’s be honest: who really wants to head out into the snow when you can curl up with Netflix for hours on end? If you’re looking for a good movie that will give you the feels and warm your heart this winter, here are a few guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, smile, and cry again.

1. The Hero


Life is all about second chances, and The Hero offers exactly that. Lee Hayden (Sam Elliott) is an aging actor with a golden voice who tries to discover his legacy in film. Soon after finding out he has cancer, his priorities come into focus as he tries to reconnect with his daughter while looking for one more role to end his career on a higher note. Although the movie is intertwined with some darker themes, it’s an easygoing movie bound to warm your heart.

2. Gifted


Frank Adler (Chris Evans) begins raising his late sister’s daughter, Mary (Mckenna Grace), who is a spirited prodigy. While Frank has plans to give Mary a normal life and childhood, her mathematical talents capture the attention of Frank’s mother, who threatens to separate the two and spirals into a custody battle. If you love a good family drama, this one will show you how important family is.

3. Begin Again


Another story of second chances, Begin Again tells the story of Gretta (Keira Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine), college sweethearts and songwriters who go to New York. While in New York, Dave lands a deal with a major record label. Soon enough, he gets swept away by fame, and Gretta is left on her own in the city. Her world turns around when she meets Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a record label executive whose career has gone downhill. When Dan stumbles upon Gretta, he is captivated by her raw talent and works with her to record music using sounds of the city as the backdrop.

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind


When Clementine (Kate Winslet) and Joel (Jim Carrey) have erased each other from their own minds, their true love begins to shine through. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind takes you on an emotional rollercoaster of love, loss, and appreciating what you have. It’s also a good reminder of how special memories are, but sometimes it’s important to move on and start with a clean slate.

5. The Giver


Remember reading Lois Lowry’s novel The Giver in middle school? Relive the story in the movie, which paints a picture of the colorless dystopia created without memories. However, everything changes when Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) begins to discover he feels different from his friends. He is assigned to be the Receiver of Memories and is trained by The Giver of Memory (Jeff Bridges). Jonas learns emotions like love and the concept of family, and soon discovers there is something wrong with their society. He also learns that emotion is necessary to truly living life.

6. While We’re Young


It’s easy to let life pass you by, especially when we’re stuck in the motions. While We’re Young captures the FOMO of a childless New York married couple in their mid-40s, John (Ben Stiller) and Cornelia (Naomi Watts). While all their friends are having kids, John and Cornelia begin hanging out with a younger hipster couple, Jamie (Adam Driver) and Darby (Amanda Seyfried). Soon enough, the older couple grasps onto the energy of their hipster counterparts and they foster a friendship, until John begins to find out Jamie isn’t as trustworthy as he once thought.

7. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World


It’s always scary to think about what would happen if the world came to an end tomorrow. When an asteroid nears earth, Dodge (Steve Carell) embarks on a journey to find his high school sweetheart after being left by his wife. In the meantime, he meets his neighbor, Penny (Keira Knightley), who eventually joins Dodge on his journey to find his sweetheart. Along the way, they fall in love as they head into the final days of the world.

What are your favorite movies that give you the feels?

 

Main image: Fox Searchlight Pictures

8 Empowering Resolutions We All Need to Make for Next Year

The countdown has begun and we’re well on our way to leaving 2017 in the dust. Yes, the new year is nigh, which, as the tradition goes, means it’s time to reflect and make some changes. So, how are you going to make your New Year’s resolutions count this time around? For a little inspiration, here are eight empowering resolutions to try in 2018.

1. Stop Saying Negative Things

Negativity is like a virus. Once you let it into your life, it will spread. It taints everything – even the good things – with a tinge of glum gray. To make matters worse, there’s a whole load of research suggesting negative talk is bad for your health.

While you may think talking about your woes is helping you deal with them, it’s not. It’s time for some cold, hard truth here. Indulging in negativity is like binge-eating a ton of chocolate: it may feel good at the time, but it will make you seriously sick.

2. Break Your Gossiping Habit

“Obviously, don’t say anything but….” No. Stop it. Close your lips before you do it again. It’s not worth the hassle. If you’re a chronic gossip, it’s time to change your ways. As 2018 dawns, promise yourself that you will break this nasty little habit once and for all.

Concerning yourself with other people’s business and talking about them in hushed tones by the water cooler will do you no good. Either they will find out and see you in a whole new light or they won’t; either way, it makes you a pretty terrible friend and an even worse confidant.

3. Keep a Daily Wellness Journal

writing in a journal

I’m not talking about the type of journal where you write your crush’s name and draw a thousand hearts around it. (Unless, of course, you want to start one like that, in which case – go right ahead!) I’m talking about a wellness journal, i.e. an account of how you are both mentally and physically on a day-to-day basis.

The act of writing down your stresses, feelings, and health levels can not only boost your immune system, but also help you manage your emotions, according to research from the American Psychological Association. So, if you’re the type of person who experiences a roller coaster’s worth of moods at times, this could well help you ride it.

4. Give Your Friends a Confidence Boost

When was the last time you gave your bestie a genuine compliment? All too often, we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget to praise those around us. Your closest friends take that role in your life for a reason. They are worthy of your commendation.

What’s more, the odd “You are so darn productive today” or “I love how thoughtful you are” can go a long way. Not everyone wears their heart on their sleeve. Your friends may seem fine and dandy on the surface, but they could be in dire need of a little pick-me-up beneath. Be the one to give it them.

5. Get Fit and Healthy, Not Just Slim

If you’ve already jotted down “get skinny” on your resolution list, it’s time to take a long, figurative look in the mirror. Consider why you feel this way. Do you want to look a certain way? Do you feel pressure to conform to someone else’s idea of what makes you beautiful? In truth, the most likely route for your urge to shed pounds comes from a place of negativity.

staying fit

Let’s flip this resolution on its head. Instead of wanting to slim down, aim to boost your health and fitness. Only 51.7% of the US population follows the Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic physical activity, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. That means that nearly half of us are not as fit as we should be. It’s time to change that. Start small and build your fitness levels up for the best results.

6. Learn How to Say No

You already know how to say it; but despite this, it’s a word many of us don’t use often enough. People-pleasers (that could be you!) agree to all kinds of things – from dinner parties to babysitting – that they have zero interest in doing. If that sounds familiar, do yourself a favor and start standing your ground. Saying you don’t want to do something is not selfish, rude, or mean. It’s the right thing to do. You’ll save yourself a whole load of hassle by being direct and honest from the get-go. Plus, you won’t have to do things you hate. Bonus.

7. Quit Comparing Yourself to Others

As the late, great Hemingway once allegedly said, “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” While there’s an undeniable amount of truth here, many of us can’t help comparing ourselves to others. Plus, in the era of social media, this naughty little sin can be more damaging than ever before. According to a recent study by the University of Houston, comparing your life to that of your online friends can lead to “long-term destructive emotions” and, in some cases, depression. While quitting this habit may be harder than most, it’s worth the trouble.

8. Let Go of Your Regrets

As you lie in bed at night, the scene replays again and again in your mind. You keep thinking of the words you should have said or the things you should have done. Here’s a quick piece of advice that you really need: Let. It. Go.

happy woman

Living with regrets is not only painful, but it can also have a negative impact on your physical health. Research from Concordia University found that having regrets and feeling unable to let them go led to a “biological dysregulation of the hormone and immune systems.” A new year offers a clean slate. For the sake of your health, wave goodbye to your past. For good.