June 9, 2018

Going To Church For The First Time

 
Note: This post has been contributed.
 
If you are planning on going to church for the first time, you may be feeling nervous. After all, trying anything for the first time can cause such a reaction. Plus, you may feel that you are going to be surrounded by lots of people who know what they are doing, and you could feel out of place. There is no need to feel this way, but here are a few tips that can help you to relax and enjoy the experience, as you should.
Research churches in your area – The first thing you should do is take a look online and search for spirit filled churches near me. You should be able to learn about all of the churches in your local area. This is helpful because you can pick a church that appeals to you the most and makes you feel at ease. You should also be able to find the mass schedule here. There may even be an online community that enables you to connect with other churchgoers before you attend.
Dress appropriately – In some places, people wear their Sunday finest to go to church, whereas others allow casual clothing. Check out this beforehand to be sure.
Arrive on time – Do your best to arrive on time because this will make you feel much more comfortable. You can find a seat at the back or somewhere in the middle if this helps. If you do arrive late, don’t panic. You can still enter the church, but sit at the back and make as little noise as possible. You don’t want to disturb others worshipping.
Follow others – Once you arrive at church and the mass gets underway, you will find that you had nothing to worry about to begin with. This is because you can easily just follow what everyone else does. There are not going to be any awkward moments whereby you expected to lead the way, so don’t worry. You will notice at certain parts people will kneel. However, for those who have trouble kneeling, they simply remain seated when the congregation kneels, so you can do this.
Collection plate – Should you leave money in the collection plate? If you feel that you enjoyed your spiritual experience and were well led, it is nice to leave money in the plate. However, you are not expected to do so and you can pass by the plate without leaving anything. The choice is yours.
So there you have it: some helpful tips for anyone that is going to church for the first time. If you follow the advice that has been given above, you should feel much more relaxed and confident about your experience. There is nothing to worry about – you are going to be with friends.
 
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June 7, 2018

Taking Stock: Finding The Right Hobbies That Relax You

Note: This post has been contributed.
We all need time to unwind and be ourselves again. If you work a very stressful job, taking the opportunity to calm down at the weekend, gives you the chance to relax, rest, and rejuvenate yourself, ready to do it all over again next week. If you find yourself a bit restless at the weekend, and constantly think about work, the key might be in the hobbies you pursue. We all need a relaxing hobby, and if you don't have something that gives you that opportunity to unwind and escape the world and its troubles, you need something beneficial. So, what are the best new hobbies you can begin?
Fishing
Fishing is one of those hobbies that, you might think is about catching a fish, when in actual fact it's more about the time beforehand. You can be a serious fisher, and invest in custom fly rods, a boat, and plough your life’s savings into the pursuit. But, you are better off, at the very outset, going to a lake, sitting down, and just observe the silence. Before you know it, 12 hours has passed by, and you've never felt so blissed out.
Journalling
If you find yourself getting worked up about next week's tasks, you need to undertake a brain dump. Getting your thoughts onto paper gives you the opportunity to work through them. Journalling is one of those pastimes that is chronically underrated. Taking a couple of hours, with a cup of coffee, sitting down, and working through your thoughts on paper, isn't just cathartic, but it is a wonderful way to spend a few hours by yourself.
Gardening
Gardening is one of those things that we appreciate as we get older, but, for all of the physical work involved, it is thoroughly relaxing. There's nothing quite like seeing the fruits, or vegetables, of your labor, grow over the weeks and months, into something that you can feel truly proud of. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves, planting a couple of things, out in the sunshine, and doing it at a leisurely pace is simple and effective for your mind.
Playing an Instrument
If you don't know how to play an instrument, the learning process can be incredibly frustrating, to say the least, but once you have developed the muscle memory, playing your favorite songs is a great way to unwind after a long day. Many people take up the guitar and play their favorite songs, and they are automatically transported to a relaxing place. The great thing about music is that it takes you back to a certain time in your life, and playing these songs yourself gives you a new appreciation for them, not to mention the fact that you are exercising your brain- those twiddly guitar solos are quite an achievement once you've figured them out! And even if you don't become an accomplished guitarist, you still have an abundance of chords at your disposal, so you can play along with pretty much anything.
Take the time to find what sort of hobby relaxes you. We all deserve something in our lives that isn't a stressful pursuit. And if you haven't got anything of the sort in your life, now's the time to sit down, take stock, and find the right one for you.
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June 4, 2018

The Brilliant Benefits Owning a Boat Can Have for You

 
Note: This post has been contributed.
If you have enough money to spend some on making yourself happy, it's always important to do so. Saving for the future is essential too, but there's no point being miserable now so that you can be a little happier when you're older. If you're lucky enough to have a little money to spare and you want to treat yourself, you might be wondering about the best way to do it. There are small treats and big ones, which usually match up to giving you short-term and long-term enjoyment. If you're looking for something long-term, what could be better than a boat? They come in all shapes and sizes, and therefore different price points, and can give you endless pleasure.
You Can Get Away from It All
Boats are excellent for helping you to get away from it all. Whether you buy a canoe, a dingy or a yacht, it will allow you get out on a body of water near you and leave all the city-dwellers behind. Enjoy a coastal cruise, drift down a river or get out onto a local lake if you want to find peace and quiet. Of course, you don't have to go alone. Friends or family might like to come with you, and you can have plenty of fun.
You'll Learn Something New
Buying a boat will mean you learn something new. No matter what kind of boat it is, you need to learn how to use it. There are several things you'll need to consider, whether it's a manually operated boat or one with a motor or engine. You need to learn how to steer it and control it so that you can move safely through the water. There are some rules to learn about etiquette and using different waterways and bodies of water too. You might even learn to take care of your boat. And when you can't make repairs yourself, a Mercury outboard service can take care of it for you. Don't be afraid to call a professional if you need help.
You Can Keep Fit
Not all boats are going to keep you fit. Some of them involve simply sitting or standing and steering. But some of them will require you to have a good level of fitness. If you want to start sailing or paddling in a canoe or kayak, you're going to have to work on your fitness. It's a great way to have fun and stay healthy at the same time.
You Might Make New Friends
When you take up a new hobby, you can quickly discover a new community. Boating communities can be found everywhere - even in places where there's nowhere nearby to go boating. You could make some great new friends when learning to drive a boat, joining a boating club or just getting out on your boat. Plus, it could bring you closer to your existing friends and your family.
 
A boat could be just what you need to make a big impact on your life. It's not as expensive as you might think to get one.
 
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June 4, 2018

3 Business Aspects You Need To Get Right

 
Note: This post has been contributed.
While every business is different, there are some things that entrepreneurs need to get right across the board. Failure to do that could mean their ventures fail before they ever get chance to make a profit. With that in mind, be sure to read this article carefully, and then create a plan to ensure you deal with the issues mentioned below in the best way possible. Regardless of whether you’re about the launch a one-person company or a small business with lots of employees, the same basic rules should apply. You can also feel free to share this post with any friends who might find themselves in the same position.
Digital Marketing 
You could have the best products or services on the planet, but your business is never going to make significant profits if you don’t master the art of digital marketing. Firstly, you need to read as many articles as possible from industry experts, so you understand the process. It would make sense for you to research such entrepreneurs as Danny DeMichele and other people who managed to leave an impression on the industry. You should then encounter some useful tips and techniques that are going to work in your favor. Alternatively, you’ll need to think about employing the services of a professional marketing agency. However, that will require a reasonable investment.
Customer Service 
It’s easy to build an adverse reputation in the business world if you don’t strive to keep every customer and client happy. One person who has a negative experience will tell many of their friends, and before you know it, nobody trusts your brand. So, ensure you pay for professional customer service training for every member of your team. There are companies that run external courses where you will need to send your employees away for a couple of days. There are also training firms that will come to your premises. Some employers even choose to find online courses for their workers. The final decisions are down to you!
Accounting 
There are two reasons you need to ensure you master bookkeeping when it comes to running your business according to Cameron McCool from Bench. Firstly, you will struggle to keep your employees if you don’t pay them on time every single month. If you don’t approach accounting in the correct manner, that could happen! Secondly, companies that fail to keep proper accounts stand a decent chance of getting into trouble with the IRS. The last thing you want to deal with is a tax investigation because they often require a lot of time, effort, and expense. So, invest in some software that handles all the hard work on your behalf. Either that or outsource the job.
Make sure you get those three aspects of business right this year, and you should find yourself walking down the path to success. Of course, there are hundreds of things that can go wrong, some of which you will never predict. However, if you read advice articles like this one and take the information onboard, there is a decent chance you will manage to weather any storm and come out the other side. Good luck!
 
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June 2, 2018

It’s Possible to Follow More Than One Dream!

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
 
We are raised in societies where binaries are normalised. We are generally expected to follow one, distinct and easily recognisable or easily categorised lifestyle. This goes for so many aspects of our being - from gender and sexuality to careers. For now, let’s focus on careers. When we ask little kids what they want to be when they grow up, we expect them to give us one answer. We expect to hear responses such as “footballer”, “ballet dancer”, “police officer”, “fire fighter”, or “astronaut”. When we are given two answers, we laugh it off. As we progress through education, we are required to make choices, eliminating certain subjects in order to follow others. We are advised to stick to certain groups. For example, we expect people to pursue an arts and humanities based path or scientific and mathematic route. By the time we reach college or university level education, we are expected to have chosen a single subject which we can focus all of our attention and effort on. When people try to spread their interests, they are told that they will become a jack of all trades and master of none. But why is this the case? There are plenty of individuals who have proven that you don’t necessarily have to stick to one area to be successful. It is indeed possible to thrive and flourish in multiple disciplines! So, if you’re interested in following more than one dream at a time, read on for some sage advice!
 
Take Inspiration
 
If you find it hard to believe that you can excel in multiple areas, you just need to seek out some inspirational figures who can prove that this is possible. Just take a look at Jozef Opdeweegh who is both a professional footballer and a professional race car driver. These two sports don’t seem to have many interlocking skill sets at all, but he has still managed to become a professional in both. Then there are a whole host of other individuals who have crossed over from careers in music to entrepreneurship, from careers in acting to modelling, or from careers in politics to ice skating!
 
Consider Joint-Honours Degrees
 
The previously mentioned inspiration may seem to be limited to individuals in the public sphere with performance roles. But you can merge different academic paths too if this is what you wish to do! More institutions are acknowledging the importance of interdisciplinary study, and are beginning to offer joint-honours degrees where students can focus on two different areas at once. Alternatively, you could look at taking certain modules from different departments. Sometimes all you have to do is ask! Email the module convenors or other authoritative individuals and ask whether you can take extra credits or even just audit alternative modules. Most will be thrilled that you are interested and welcome you with open arms.
 
As you can see, it is indeed possible to follow more than one dream at a time. You just have to focus and manage your time effectively. The outcomes will be more than worth the effort.
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May 30, 2018

How to De-stress at the Weekend When You’re Addicted to your Career

 
Note: This post has been contributed.
When you work all the time, you may feel as though your job is your life and that there is nothing that you can do about it. The truth is that this is not the case at all, and it is more than possible for you to still live your life without having to worry about whether or not you are meeting those deadlines or even without having to spend time trying to reply to emails.
Do Yoga
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an expert or whether you have never tried yoga before because it really is fantastic if you need to de-stress and it can also help you to regulate your blood pressure as well. When you are able to do this, you can really boost your immune system, so that’s another huge benefit. Yoga can also be done for as long or as little as you want, so get out there, buy a mat and then find somewhere in your local area that does classes. If you don’t want to do it in front of everyone then you can try it out in your living room, as this is a great way for you to really unwind.
Sweat it Out
If yoga is not your thing and you want to do something a bit more active then try and break a sweat by playing a sport or even by running. You can go on a run in the morning or you can play a game of football, basketball or anything else of the sort. When you are constantly thinking about your career, you may find it difficult to sit there and just do nothing, and that is why sports are a great way for you to take your mind off everything.
Play Golf
Another thing that you can do is try your hand at golf. Joining a golf club is a great way for you to do this and you can also borrow some of their clubs until you have your very own. Of course, golf really does require a lot of concentration, so by playing it at the weekend, you can really help to take some of your focus away from the stress of work, your business and anything else that may be bothering you. The great thing about golf is that it can be played on your own or you can easily play it with a huge group of people, not to mention that if you have never played before, there are so many beginner classes out there.
Try Something New
You don’t just have to limit yourself to sports if you don’t want, you can easily try and learn how to cook and you can also try a new recipe. You can do this on your own if you want some “you” time or you can easily invite someone over to try and make the dish with you. This is a great way for you to really make the most out of the time that you have and you can really feel accomplished after as well.
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May 28, 2018

5 Things That Can Derail Your Business Venture

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
Everybody begins their new company with the best of intentions. They have a good idea, and the energy and enthusiasm to work hard and make it a success. This, of course, is a great start that will serve them well, but business is pretty complicated. You need more than a few good ingredients to make things work! And sometimes, all it takes one thing to go wrong to bring everything down. Below, we take a look at a few things that could derail your company’s path towards success. 
 
 
Source: Pexels.com
One Bad Staff Member
Your staff are hugely important to the overall success of your business. After all, they’re the ones who are doing the bulk of the work. If they’re delivering good work, then things go well; if they’re not, then they don’t. If you’ve put any thought into your hiring process, then you’ll likely hire more good employees than bad ones, but sometimes this isn’t even enough. Beware the bad employee, because as well as failing to do what you expect of them, they can also bring down the morale of your office down (prompting good employees to leave) and turn customers against your business. If someone seems poisonous, get rid of them as soon as possible.
An Honest Mistake
There’s a lot to take care of when you’re running a business. And sometimes, this will feel like too many tasks! In the midst of trying to get everything done, it’s easy for one or two key details to be overlooked. Alas, it could be possible that overlooking these details may be a criminal offence. Though it was just a slip of the mind, you may need a criminal lawyer to help defend your name against the charges. All the while the investigation and defence are happening, you may find that you’re unable to give your business growth as much thought and energy as you’d like.
Changing Tides
Twenty years ago, Blockbuster was king. And now where are they? You might have a killer business idea, but just because it’s working today that doesn’t mean it’ll work in ten years time. It might not even work in one years time! So keep an eye on any fundamental changes in the world. If you’re able to adapt and grow alongside these changes, then great. If you’re not, then you might find that you’re facing trouble in the years to come.
Growing Too Fast
You might think that any growth was good, but this is wrong. There is such a thing as growing too fast! Though you might like the numbers that you see, if you’re not able to keep up with the rate of growth then you’ll be likely to fold due to the excess strain. Keep things slow and steady until your accountant says you’re ready to expand.
Cash on Demand
 
Finally, figure out that cash! Poor cash-flow can be a death knell for companies, so make sure you’ve always got plenty of cash in reserve - you won’t like life without it!
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May 25, 2018

Travel the World a Little Differently With These Boss Tips

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
Travel is so wonderful and something everyone should indulge in at some point in their lives. In fact, if you can travel as frequently and regularly as possible, it’s really going to help benefit you. Experiencing new things helps you open your mind and learn more about the world and how it works. If you want the best possible travel experience, you need to plan it in advance and look at how you can do things differently.
Traveling the world a little differently gives you fresh perspective, and allows you to see and experience things in a way that is very different to what you might be used to. Vacations are vital for recharging the batteries and boosting your mental health. So, this year, why not look at doing it a bit differently, with these cool ideas for traveling with a difference.
By Sea (but Private)
When you think of going traveling by sea, you probably imagine a ferry boat or a cruise. Well, how about your own boat?! Unattainable, you probably think, but is it?! So many of us aspire to own our own boat; it is, after all, the height of luxury. However, it is very unlikely that any of us would be able to buy a boat outright, even if we earn good money. So, this is where boat loans come into play. Yes, it’s precisely as it sounds, a loan to help you buy a boat. Taking to the ocean and gliding across the waves on your travels is going to feel so much more magnificent if you can do it in your own boat!
By Air (but not How You Think)
Instead of getting into a plane, or even a chopper, why not consider a hot air balloon?! Okay, so you’re not going to fly from Oregon to Kenya in a hot air balloon, but, there are certain countries where you can take to the air in a hot air balloon and have an experience this way. The best way to do this would be to take a hot air balloon safari in Botswana, or a similar country. This is a unique and wonderful way of enjoying one of the greatest experiences on Earth. Think about how much more you will see by balloon, and how wonderful it will feel to do something that little bit different. 
By Land (on Foot)
Getting away from it all is great for clearing your head, and this is why so many people choose to take regular vacations. Now, if you want a travel experience with a difference you might like to consider going on foot. Of course, you’ll need different methods of transport to get you around from country to country, but doing much of your journey in specific places on foot (where possible) is actually a great idea, especially when you’re backpacking. This will give you a really wonderful experience, and help you to understand much of what is so magical about many of the areas of the world. This is why you need to explore on foot, and really get a proper feel for how the world can be up close and personal.
 
These are just a few of the great suggestions you can use to help you travel the world in style. These boss tips are really going to help you experience the world differently, and get a lot more out of your travels than you likely would otherwise.
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May 22, 2018

Could A New Hobby Help You Get More Out Of Life?

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
The average person spends around 37 hours per week at work. For some of us, our day job fulfills all our needs, but many of us turn to hobbies to get more out of life. If you’re keen to work hard and play hard, taking up new activities and meeting new people can help you to achieve a better work-life balance, indulge your passions and broaden your horizons. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some fantastic hobbies to take up.
Adrenaline rush
If your day job is more mundane than action-packed, you may be craving a rush of adrenaline. If you love the feeling of testing or pushing yourself or you have a need for speed, why not indulge your inner adventurer and take up sports like canyoning, climbing, rally driving, abseiling or off-roading? You can find all the parts you’ll ever need for an off-road jaunt at www.offroadantics.com and you can locate local climbing, canyoning and abseiling clubs online. Even if you don’t have a huge amount of spare time available for hobbies, spending an hour or so at the weekends doing something that makes you feel alive could make all the difference to your happiness and mental wellbeing. You can also develop and hone your skills as you gain more experience, and you may also find that you form new friendships and explore new territories along the way.
De-stressing
Does your job stress you out or do you find it hard to switch off and relax? If so, why not try out an activity that is proven to reduce stress and help you feel calm? You could take up yoga or Pilates, embrace the art of meditation or hone your horticultural skills. Many people find walking relaxing and fishing is another popular option for those hoping to escape the noise and enjoy some peace and alone time. Stress is a very common issue in today’s society. Taking a little time out to do something that helps you retain composure and clear your mind could help you to combat stress and make you feel happier and more content.
Creativity
If you’re a creative person, but your job doesn’t give you an opportunity to showcase your talents or use your imagination, don’t let your creativity go to waste. Spend your spare time drawing, painting, writing, playing music or doing arts and crafts. Studies show that creative activities can be incredibly beneficial for tackling stress and they’re also really fun. For more information about the benefits of using your creativity, check out this interesting article https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/300347. You can be creative at home, or you could look into joining a local art class or using your talents to entertain others, for example, taking part in poetry readings or giving live music performances at bars or events.
 
Many of us enjoy work, but it doesn’t always give us everything we need. When you have spare time, it’s wise to make the most of it and indulge your interests and passions. If you’d love to spend more time celebrating your creativity, you live for an adrenaline rush, or you crave tranquility and calm, why not try these hobbies for size?
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May 22, 2018

Look After Yourself Better From Day to Day With These Tips

Note: This post has been contributed.
 
Are you sure that you’re looking after yourself in the correct and proper way? If you’re not, you should definitely start to think about what you should be doing differently. Taking those first steps towards change in your approach to day to day life can be pretty difficult, especially if you’re not prepared for it and don’t really know where to start. You don’t want to be thrown in at the deep end, but at the same time, you don’t want to cling onto unhealthy habits for a second longer.
We’re going to help you understand what you should do to lead a more healthy and positive life from one day to the next. It’s all about achieving balance, working on your mental health and looking after your body in simple and sensible ways. There really isn’t anything particular complicated about any of this, so there is no need at all for you to feel either daunted or overwhelmed. Read on now to learn more about all this.
Start the Day With a Nutritious Breakfast
The way in which you start your day will have a big impact on how your day is experienced from then on out. If you don’t start it with some healthy and fulfilling food, your hunger will distract you and you’ll be burnt out before lunch. If you eat too much or choose unhealthy and sugary foods, you will get a short burst of energy before crashing back down to earth pretty hard. So try to get that breakfast balance right and start your day on the right note.
Note Things Down
You will find it much easier to keep your thoughts neat and organised if you get into the habit of noting things down. It’s not just a case of making notes so that you don’t forget things. For example, you might want to keep a journal so you can make sure that you articulate your thoughts properly each day. It’s a very useful and healthy form of expressions, so why not embrace it?
Challenge Your Mind
If your mind is never really challenged or put to the test, how will you keep learning new things and expanding your horizons? Challenging yourself is something you should try to do regularly because when your brain is put to the test regularly, it becomes healthier and more powerful. Train your mind so that you can do more and achieve more. But don’t just let it sit there and do nothing. 
Take the Healthy Route Rather Than the Easy One
Your health will steadily improve if you get into the habit of taking the healthy route rather than the easy one. We live in a culture of convenience, and that means we often have options that allow us to take the easy way out of things. Rather than walking to the shop and getting fresh air and exercise, we get in the car. Even things as simple as walking up some stairs can be avoided by getting the lift or the escalator. Try to reject convenience in your day to day life.
Stay in Touch With Friends and Get Back in Touch With Old Ones
The social aspect of your health is something that definitely should not be ignored or overlooked at all. It’s what allows you to stay healthy and balanced in life. Without a good social life, it’s very easy to experience more mental health problems. You can start to feel anxious and isolated, and that’s never a good thing. That’s why you should do more to stay in touch with them and also to get back in touch with old friends you’ll lost contact with.
Keeping Learning and Trying New Things
There are so many new opportunities and ideas out there for you to try out for yourself. It’s definitely something that you should be looking into if you're serious about wanting to look after yourself better. Your mental health improves when you feel free enough to try new things and go in new directions in life. You might always want to try new health and fitness methods to improve your physical condition. Things like Dr Wallach products could help you achieve the balance you want. Don’t be closed off to new things.
Take a Break From Tech
Sometimes, you just have to shut off the technology and allow your mind the chance to relax. The constant demand for our attention can be really exhausting. But by putting down the smartphone and not putting on the TV, you will have the chance to relax in a much more sociable and focused way. Try to take more of these breaks for social media and tech if you possibly can.
Make the Most of Your Time Off Work
Whenever you have time away from work, you should try your best to make the most of that time. It’s valuable and it allows you the chance to do the things that make you feel happy and contented. Don’t fritter away those free days doing nothing at all because great thing will be achieved when you focus on doing what you want to do.
Try to Get More Sleep
Finally, you should think about how your sleeping patterns could be affecting your emotions, efficiency and alertness during the day. If you're not getting enough sleep that your body needs, all of those things and many more will suffer. That’s what you should be trying your best to avoid because no one wants to be failing at work or running out of energy in the afternoon just because they’re not sleeping as much as they should. It’s something to work on at least.
 
Looking after yourself is not simply about spending hours in the gym and eating your greens. Both of those things can be helpful to some people, and that’s great. But there is so much else besides that has to go into making yourself healthy and happy. And it all comes down to what you do day to day,
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