Dark Chocolate can Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Cocoa is loaded with compounds called polyphenols that have been shown to help our bodies fend off inflammation, lower blood pressure and maybe even improve our moods.

Now, a new study finds people who have a habit of eating a little dark chocolate — about an ounce per day — have a 21% lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, compared to people who don’t consume it.

There’s long been evidence that the compounds found in cocoa can contribute to heart health. For instance, a study published in the journal Heart, found chocolate lovers had a lower risk of strokes and other types of cardiovascular disease.

Scientists have homed in on bioactive plant compounds found in cocoa beans, called flavanols, which have been shown to prompt production of nitric oxide in the body. This gas can cause blood vessels to open up or dilate, and multiple studies have shown dark chocolate consumption is linked to a modest reduction in blood pressure.

Research, going back 20 years, has also shown that dark chocolate can help improve insulin sensitivity in healthy people. Insulin sensitivity is a gauge of how well a person’s cells are responding to insulin, which is a hormone that regulates blood sugar.

Dark chocolate typically contains higher levels of cocoa, compared to milk chocolate. And researchers are interested in learning more about specific types of flavanols found in cocoa, including epicatechins which are known for their antioxidant properties.

Source:  https://health.wusf.usf.edu/npr-health/2024-12-05/how-sweet-a-daily-dose-of-dark-chocolate-may-cut-your-risk-of-diabetes

Gratitude: Spreading Your Wings

“I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going. And I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight.
And as we fly, we still may not know where we are going to. But the miracle is in the unfolding of the wings. You may not know where you’re going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.”~ Dr Maya Angelou

In that space of not having all the answers, you will discover something extraordinary: the freedom to let go and trust the process.

It is only when you are suspended in mid-air, without a clear destination, that you can summon the courage to spread your wings.

In that unfolding, you begin to soar—not because you know where you’ll land, but because you’ve found the strength to rise.

The beauty lies in the flight itself, in trusting that the winds, coupled with God’s goodness, grace and mercy, will guide you to where you need to be.

It is in that surrender to the unknown and living in faith that you truly begin to live, carried by faith in the journey rather than the certainty of the outcome.

What You Focus on Expands

“What you focus on grows, what you think about expands, and what you dwell upon determines your destiny.” – Robin Sharma

“What you focus on expands” suggests that the things you give your attention to—whether positive or negative—tend to grow in significance and impact in your life.

Your brain is wired to filter out distractions, allowing you to focus on what you deem important. This means that when you concentrate on specific thoughts, feelings, or experiences, you enhance their presence in your life.

Additionally, by focusing on certain aspects of your lives, you become more aware of them. This heightened awareness can lead to increased opportunities and experiences related to those focal points.

When you concentrate on positive aspects—such as gratitude, goals, or strengths—you often find more reasons to feel good and motivated. This can lead to improved mental health and greater success.

Conversely, if you dwell on negative thoughts or challenges, those feelings can amplify, leading to stress, anxiety, or a sense of helplessness.

“What you focus on expands” is not just a motivational saying; it’s a principle rooted in psychological research that highlights the importance of intentional focus in shaping your experiences and outcomes.

By consciously directing your attention towards positivity, growth, and gratitude, you create a more fulfilling and enriched life.

Each day, you should note things you appreciate in a gratitude journal; this shifts your focus to positivity and increases feelings of gratitude in your life.

Source:  https://ninaamir.com/prove-what-focus-on-expands/

 

 

Aerobic and Strength Training Benefits

Doing both aerobic and strength training exercises reduce risk of dying 41% to 47% compared with people who did no exercise. ~ Harvard Health

Doing both aerobic exercise and strength training exercise are extremely beneficial for individuals above the age of sixty, according to a study published in the November 2022 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Researchers found that weight lifting alone was linked to a 9% to 22% lower risk of dying.

Moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise appeared to lower risk by 24% to 34%.

But the greatest longevity gains were among people who did both types of exercise; their risk of dying during the follow-up period was 41% to 47% lower compared with people who did no exercise.

Studies attest that strength training, as well as aerobic exercise, can help you manage and sometimes prevent conditions as varied as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

One of the best ways to stay fit and healthy as you age is by doing strength and power training exercises. You may know that starting in our thirties, we all begin to lose muscle mass. This loss actually contributes to achy joints, increased risk of injury, and the “middle-age spread” we all dread. What’s more, the older we get, the faster muscle mass disappears. That means that eventually, simple tasks like getting out of a chair and climbing stairs can become more difficult.

Strength training can help you build muscle, make you strong, increase your endurance and make everyday activities easier. By combining strength and power training exercises you’ll not only get stronger, you’ll build speed and improve your reaction time. That’s critical as you age, because it can help prevent falls.

Source:  Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter, Adding weight lifting to workouts may boost longevity, Harvard Health Publishing, January 1, 2023.

and,

Strength and Power Training for All Ages, Harvard Health Publishing

Brain and Mental Exercises and Health

Engaging in brain exercises can help keep your mind sharp and improve cognitive functions and mental health.

Here are some effective brain exercises you can try:

  1. Puzzles: Working on jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, or Sudoku can enhance your problem-solving skills and memory1.
  2. Card Games: Playing card games like solitaire, bridge, or poker can improve memory and thinking skills1.
  3. Learning New Skills: Picking up a new hobby or skill, such as playing a musical instrument or learning a new language, can boost brain function2.
  4. Reading and Vocabulary Building: Reading books and learning new words can stimulate your brain and improve cognitive abilities1.
  5. Physical Exercise: Activities like dancing, yoga, and tai chi not only benefit your body but also enhance brain health by increasing blood flow and reducing stress3.
  6. Meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation can improve focus, memory, and emotional regulation2.
    Socializing: Engaging in social activities and maintaining strong social connections can help keep your brain active and healthy1.
  7. Playing Games: Board games, video games, and brainteasers can be fun ways to challenge your brain and improve cognitive functions2.

Which of these exercises are you most interested in trying? 1: Healthline 2: Medical News Today 3: AARP

Focus is the Key to Success

“Success demands singleness of purpose.” – Vince Lombardi

“Starve your distractions, feed your focus.” – Focus Quote

Recently, there was a story circulating on social media in which Bill Gates and Warren Buffett were asked the question, “what would you say is the most important skill for success?”

Both men answered “focus”. Focus, in their opinion, is the most important requirement for success and great achievement.

With focus, you can do anything. And without focus, you can do nothing.  Focus is the key to success.

“Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.” – Paulo Coelho

Thus, it’s important to focus on the one or two things in your professional career or personal life that you can do right now that will have the greatest positive impact or return on you investment of time, talent and treasure.

Because, everything else you do has a lesser impact and return, or no impact or return, on your life.  Focus is the key to success.

“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” – Jack Canfield

Most people live distracted by technology, specifically their cell phones and social media.  They are addicted to distraction, the tiny screens in their hands, in which they’re hooked to social media.

To achieve great success and sustainable high performance, you must break free of addiction to distraction. Instead, you must focus on the most important and impactful things and activities in your life to achieve great success.

The ability to control your focus and attention is the most important key to success. Thus, you should focus on the one to three key things or variables that are most critical to the success of your business, relationships and life.

Learning and becoming skilled at meditation is very helpful practice to strengthen your focus muscle. Focus is simply choosing the right thought among the hundreds of competing and distracting thoughts.

“Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” – Denis Waitley

 

Best Quotes Regarding Embracing Failure

Here are a few of the best quotes about embracing failure:

“It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.” – J.K. Rowling

“Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” – Debasish Mridha

I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy

“The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.” – Roy T. Bennett

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

Remember, failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone to greater things. Embrace it, learn from it, grow and keep moving forward.

https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/learning-from-failure-quotes
* https://www.threegirlsmedia.com/2023/01/25/how-to-add-creative-ideas-to-your-marketing-strategy/
* https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/dont-let-fear-of-failure-stifle-american-energy-innovation/
* https://www.mcgill.ca/bensadoun-school/article/retail-management/covid-19-greatest-tests-retail-leadership-canada
* https://georgegillas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Twelve-Tips-final-1.pdf
* https://www.nasp.com/blog/learning-from-failure/
* https://www.sunsama.com/blog/inspirational-productivity-quotes-for-healthy-efficiency

Christmas Day: A Day to be Grateful

Christmas Day is a time for joy, love, reflection and gratitude.

As you gather with loved ones, share festive meals and fellowship, and exchange gifts, it’s also an opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings in your life..

From the warmth and fellowship of family and friends to the simple joys of the season, there’s much to be thankful for.

You should take a moment to appreciate and be grateful for the good in your life. By doing so, you can truly embrace the spirit of Christmas and fill your hearts with peace and contentment.

“Christmas is the season of joy, of gladness, of hope, of love.” – Norman Vincent Peale

“May the spirit of Christmas fill your heart with warmth and peace.” – Anonymous

There is always a reason to be grateful!

Personal Mission Statements

Personal mission statements reflect the values, passions, goals and the impact individuals aim to have on the world.

Below are several personal mission statements:

  • Oprah Winfrey: “To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be”.
  • Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style”.
  • Elon Musk: “If something is important enough you should try, even if the probable outcome is failure”.
  • Richard Branson: “To have fun in [my] journey through life and learn from [my] mistakes”2.
  • Serena Williams: “To be the best version of myself on and off the court, inspiring others to pursue their goals with passion and perseverance”.
  • Jane Goodall: “To foster a greater understanding and compassion for the natural world and inspire action to protect all living beings”.

Crafting a personal mission statement can provide you with clarity and direction in your life. Here are some steps to help you create one:

  • Reflect on Your Values: Think about what is most important to you. What principles guide your decisions and actions?
  • Identify Your Passions: Consider what activities or causes you are passionate about. What brings you joy and fulfillment?
  • Define Your Goals: Outline your long-term goals. What do you want to achieve in your personal and professional life?
  • Consider Your Strengths: Recognize your unique strengths and talents. How can you use them to make a positive impact?
  • Think About Your Legacy: Reflect on how you want to be remembered. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
  • Draft Your Statement: Combine these elements into a concise statement that captures your purpose and aspirations.

Here’s a template to get you started:

“My mission is to [action/verb] [what you want to achieve] by [how you will achieve it], so that [the impact you want to have].”
For example:

“My mission is to inspire and empower others by sharing knowledge and fostering a supportive community, so that everyone can achieve their full potential.”

Here are five inspiring personal mission statements that you can adapt to your own goals and values:

  • To live a life of significance by making a positive impact on others and striving for continuous growth.” This statement emphasizes the importance of contributing to the world while also focusing on personal development.
  • To embrace challenges, learn from failures, and persevere in the pursuit of my dreams.” This statement highlights the importance of resilience and a growth mindset.
  • To inspire and empower others to reach their full potential through acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding.” This statement focuses on helping others and making a difference in the world.
  • To live a balanced life of purpose, passion, and joy, cherishing relationships and making the most of every moment.” This statement emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and personal fulfillment.
  • To be a lifelong learner, always seeking knowledge and wisdom, and using my skills to create a better future for myself and others.” This statement highlights the importance of continuous learning and using one’s talents to make a positive impact.

The best personal mission statements are the ones that resonates with you personally and inspires you to take action. It should be concise, clear, and meaningful.

Positive Outlook on Failure

“It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default.” – J.K. Rowling

It is imperative that you adopt a positive outlook on failure and challenges. Failure, challenges, and setbacks are not the end of the road, but rather opportunities for growth and learning.

Here’s why this perspective regarding embracing failure and developing a tolerance for failure is valuable:

  • Learning from Mistakes: Failure allows you to identify areas where you need improvement. By analyzing what went wrong, you can gain valuable insights and make adjustments for future success.
  • Building Resilience: Overcoming challenges strengthens your resilience and determination. Each failure makes you more capable of handling adversity in the future.
  • Fostering Innovation: Fear of failure can stifle creativity. Embracing failure encourages you to take risks, experiment, and explore new ideas, leading to innovative solutions.
  • Developing a Growth Mindset: Believing that failure is a stepping stone helps you cultivate a growth mindset, where you view challenges as opportunities to develop your skills and abilities.

By reframing failure and setbacks as a catalyst for learning and growth, you can transform setbacks into stepping stones towards your goals and great success.