Author Archives: Edward Brownlee

Gratitude Matters

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“The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles.” ~ William Penn

Gratitude has been shown to increase happiness and the feeling of satisfaction. And whilst every single person will define happiness differently, it’s undeniable that every single person wants more happiness. And to feel more content and satisfied.

Grateful people are focused on what’s going right, on what resources and blessings they already have, and how they can use these blessings to improve their fortunes. This enables them to cope with minor setbacks and crushing defeats without losing their will to carry on.

Many believe that gratitude is the secret to health, happiness and success. By always being grateful, gratitude becomes a very important and beneficial mindset.

Embracing gratitude doesn’t mean you’ll never experience another bad day. But it does mean that you’ll approach those bad days differently.

Source:  https://thegoalchaser.com/why-is-gratitude-important/

Zinc Deficiency

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Zinc deficiency is a common problem throughout the world that contributes to many unwanted health problems.

Zinc is a foundational mineral that is essential to growth patterns and has an essential role in the development of hormones and immune molecules.

Zinc is one of the best mineral supplements to boost and balance out a tired and over stimulated immune system.

About 75% of people in the world are zinc deficient and being deficient in zinc is very common throughout the world.

The 5 warning signs you’re zinc deficient:

1.) If you get sick a lot or have immune system issues

2.) Have leaky gut

3.) If you struggle with diarrhea or IBS

4.) Thinning hair

5.) Inflammatory skin issues like acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis.

One of the biggest factors in causing zinc deficiency is high levels of emotional stress. The second most common cause of zinc deficiency is over-exercise.

Lastly, if you’re older, you may tend to have malabsorption, which causes a zinc deficiency.

In order to get more zinc in your diet, you need to consume more zinc-rich foods.

The top 5 zinc-rich foods are pumpkin seeds, oysters, grass-fed meat, sprouted nuts and seeds, and peas.

Additionally, probiotics are a key supplement to take when zinc deficient because it can help your overall absorption of nutrients.

Moringa Benefits and Risks

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Moringa, often referred to as the “miracle tree,” offers a wide range of health benefits due to its rich nutritional profile and medicinal properties. Here are some of the key benefits:

Moringa leaves and seeds are rich in glucosinolates, which are linked to the plant’s beneficial effects on prostate health in rodents and which may have anticancer properties.

Test-tube studies have demonstrated that the glucosinolates from the plant’s seeds may inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells

It’s also believed that moringa could help prevent benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This condition typically becomes more common as men age and is characterized by enlargement of the prostate, which can make urination difficult .

In one study, mice received moringa leaf extract before being administered testosterone daily for 4 weeks to induce BPH. The extract was found to significantly reduce prostate weight .

What’s more, the extract also reduced levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. High levels of this antigen may be a sign of prostate cancer

Lastly, the study also demonstrated that the plant decreased testosterone levels in the treated mice. In humans, low testosterone levels can reduce sex drive and erectile function, lead to a loss of lean muscle mass, and cause depression.

Researchers have yet to determine whether these same benefits occur in humans.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/moringa-benefits-for-men#1.-May-promote-prostate-health

Mindfulness: Being Present, Being Grateful

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“Mindfulness is moment-to-moment non-judgmental awareness.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Mindfulness is about living in and being aware of the present moment. Living in the moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future. It’s about accepting that every breath is a gift—cherish it.

By embracing the magic of the present moment, day or night, it brings peace, clarity, and gratitude into your life. Cherish the now and present moment, it’s all you have.

Here is a simple, soothing mindfulness practice to help you unwind and reset after a long day:

1️⃣ Find a Quiet Space: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Allow yourself to settle into the space with no expectations—just a willingness to be here.

2️⃣ Breathe Deeply: Take three deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. With each exhale, feel the tension in your body begin to melt away.

3️⃣ Body Scan: Gently bring your attention to your body. Starting at your toes, slowly scan up to your head. Notice any areas of tension, and with each breath, imagine sending a wave of relaxation to those spots.

4️⃣ Release the Day: As you continue to breathe, visualize the events of the day gently drifting away, like leaves on a stream. Allow them to float past you without holding on to any of them.

5️⃣ Affirm Your Presence: Silently repeat to yourself: ‘I have done my best today. I am here now, and that is enough.’

6️⃣ Rest in Stillness: Spend a few moments in stillness, letting your mind and body rest in the calm you’ve created. When you’re ready, gently bring your awareness back to the room.

Your mind is a garden. Cultivate mindfulness, uproot negativity, manage your thoughts, be always grateful, and nurture compassion.  Watch your world transform!

Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Special: Phil Jackson: The Soul of Success

End Your Vacation on a High Note

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The adage to “save the best for last” appears to be the best strategy to craft a pleasant travel or vacation memories,

The outsize role certain final vacation experiences have on memories can be chalked up to a psychological principle called “recency effect”.

“The recency effect helps to explain our tendency to remember the ending portion of an event or sequence of events with far more clarity than the rest,” said Dr. Mary Poffenroth, biopsychologist and author of “Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day.” She says the bias stems from our short-term memory’s inability to hold on to more than a small amount of information at once.

“Nobody wants to end on a downer—or even worse, let the trip peter out before it’s actually over. You want that travel orgasm at the end,” crime novelist and screenwriter Lee Goldberg said.

Traveling is like telling yourself a story. “There’s a beginning, middle and an end,” he said. “You know what you’re going in for, you have an idea of what to expect, and there are twists along the way. But ultimately you want the big payoff, the big finale.”

To avoid disproportionately spotlighting the final days, whether they’re good or bad, experts recommend creating a ritual to amplify earlier days in the vacation with reminders of those days: a live show ticket, a seashell, a cardboard drink coaster with a pub’s logo on it.

Source:  http://www.wsj.com/articles/WP-WSJ-0001994621

Unpopular Rules Wealthy People Follow

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There are several ‘unpopular’ rules wealthy people follow that most don’t

The ultra-wealthy are less concerned with scrimping and saving and more focused on investing and growing and building their wealth.

By observing and learning from their habits, Vivian Tu made her first million by age 27. Here are four unpopular rules rich people follow that most others don’t:

1. Don’t worry about impressing people

Rich people put most of their spending power into buying assets (stuff that makes them money over time) instead of liabilities (stuff that costs them money over time).

Instead of buying, for example, a flashy Lamborghini that loses a third of its value as soon as you drive off the lot, a truly rich person will take that same chunk of change and buy a two-family duplex and rent it out.

They don’t care what you think of them or whether you’re impressed. They’re happy to just cash your rent checks and let youpay their mortgage.

2. Have an abundance mindset

So many people have a scarcity mindset — a constant feeling that we’re never going to have enough money, that we’re one slip-up away from disaster and we have to hoard every last cent.

The problem with this mindset is that it can make people very competitive with other folks in similar financial situations. So you have people at the bottom of the pyramid spending all their time and energy fighting each other for resources, instead of trying to overthrow those at the top.

Rich people have an abundance mindset. Since they know they’re going to be able to take care of their bills, they’re not worried. This gives them the freedom to decide what they want to do with their time, rather than only focusing on what they need to do to survive.

3. Think long-term

Rich people understand that sometimes, things take time, and they’re happy to wait. They’re kings and queens of delayed gratification.

A rich person has no problem, for example, socking away money in a retirement account. Yes, the $6,000 they invested in their IRA account this year is off-limits until they’re 59-and-a-half.

But they know that just because they can’t spend that money now, it’s not like it has disappeared. It’s actually the opposite: the longer they wait, the more money they get later on.

4. Share, swap and scratch each other’s backs

Rich people love being known as the smartest person in their friend group: the one with the best taste, who is on top of all the trends. You’ll often hear them say things like:

– “I have this great tax person — you should work with them.”
– “I found the best cocktail bar — you have to try the martini.”
– “I joined the best country club — and I’ll sponsor you to join, too.”

They recognize that when they’re open about their knowledge, other people will be more inclined to share what they know. It is another valuable form of currency, and it’s the same reason rich people love nothing more than putting their besties in positions of power.

Their thought process is: “I’m not qualified for this job, but my friend is, and once she gets it, she’ll owe me a solid. Then, as soon as she’s in a leadership position, I’m automatically tapped into that whole network.”

Vivian Tu is a former Wall Street trader-turned expert, educator, podcast host, and founder of the financial equity phenomenon Your Rich BFF.

Congress Approved VA Emergency Spending Bill

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Congress passed an emergency spending bill that covers a nearly $3 billion shortfall for the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to the American Legion. Had the measure not passed, more than 7 million veterans stood likely to see delays in VA disability benefits payments after Oct. 1.

The measure calls for about $2.9 billion in additional funding for the VA, of which about $2.3 billion would go toward the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation and pensions. Roughly $597 million would be put toward readjustment benefits.

The department will also need an additional $12 billion or more beyond its current budget recommendation for the next fiscal year to meet fast-rising demand.

VA enrollment increased 34% in 2024, attributable largely to the increased number of veterans eligible for benefits and care under the PACT Act of 2022, which opened the system up to more than 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic contamination while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces

Investing Like Warren Buffett

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Here are 10 Lessons from “7 Secrets to Investing Like Warren Buffett” by Mary Buffett:

1. Invest in what you understand: Warren Buffett’s approach to investing emphasizes the importance of investing in businesses and industries that you have a deep understanding of. This helps mitigate risks and make informed investment decisions.

2. Focus on long-term value: Buffett is known for his long-term investment approach. The book teaches readers to focus on the long-term value of their investments rather than short-term market fluctuations.

3. Look for companies with strong competitive advantages: Buffett seeks out companies with durable competitive advantages, such as a strong brand, unique product, or high barriers to entry. These advantages contribute to long-term profitability.

4. Practice patience and discipline: Successful investing requires patience and discipline. The book emphasizes the importance of sticking to your investment strategy and resisting the urge to make impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

5. Value a company based on its intrinsic worth: Buffett believes in valuing a company based on its intrinsic worth rather than relying solely on market trends. The book teaches readers how to assess a company’s value and make investment decisions accordingly.

6. Focus on cash flow and profitability: Buffett places great importance on a company’s cash flow and profitability. The book explains how to identify companies with strong financials and the potential for long-term growth.

7. Diversify your portfolio: Buffett advocates for diversification to reduce risk. The book provides insights on how to build a well-diversified portfolio that includes a mix of different asset classes and industries.

8. Be patient during market downturns: During market downturns, it is crucial to remain patient and avoid panic selling. The book teaches readers to see market downturns as opportunities to buy quality stocks at discounted prices.

9. Avoid excessive debt: Buffett is known for his aversion to excessive debt. The book emphasizes the importance of investing in companies with a conservative approach to debt and solid financial stability.

10. Continuously educate yourself: Successful investing requires continuous learning. The book encourages readers to stay updated on market trends, financial news, and investment strategies to make informed decisions.

Source:  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/h6UWDdeeWBoLH3sP

Master Your Mindset

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  • Your Mindset Is The Most Important Part of Your Success

Everything in life depends on your attitude, habits and mindset. How you feel, think, and act all depends on your attitude and mindset.

The right mindset is necessary in the world where you take responsibility and manage your thoughts.

  1. Being the master of your mind is one skill that most successful individuals have, writes author Sayra Montes. The ability to look at problems from the right angle, plan ways to attain your desires, and take action on your plans is what separates the truly successful from the majority.

Most people have the ability to be successful, but their mindset, attitude and habits are holding them back from reaching world-class success and a lifetime happiness.

The biggest obstacles: the thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and philosophies that most people have about themselves. The mindset required for achieving success. Here are ten practical lessons: from the book “Train Your Mind to Be Successful” by Sayra Montes:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what success means to you by setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Clarity in your objectives gives you direction and purpose.

2. Develop a Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive attitude by replacing negative thoughts with empowering affirmations. A positive mindset can enhance your resilience and motivation.

3. Practice Visualization: Use visualization techniques to imagine your success. Visualizing your goals can reinforce your belief in your abilities and increase your motivation to achieve them.

4. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool: Shift your perspective on failure. Instead of fearing it, view failures as opportunities to learn and grow, helping you to refine your approach and strategies.

5. Create a Daily Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine that includes time for goal-oriented tasks, self-care, and personal development. Routines help reinforce habits that lead to success.

6. Limit Distractions: Identify and minimize distractions in your environment. Creating a focused workspace can improve your productivity and help you stay aligned with your goals.

7. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Build a supportive network of people who inspire and uplift you. Positive relationships can motivate you and provide encouragement during challenging times.

8. Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on what you are grateful for. Gratitude fosters a positive outlook and helps you maintain perspective, even during setbacks.

9. Invest in Continuous Learning: Commit to lifelong learning by seeking new knowledge and skills. Staying curious and adaptable allows you to evolve and stay relevant in your pursuits.

10. Take Action: Overcome procrastination by taking small, actionable steps toward your goals. Consistent action, no matter how small, creates momentum and fosters progress.

Mindset, habits, and resilience are important in the journey toward achieving personal and professional success.

Source: Train Your Mind to Be Successful by Sayra Montes

 

 

 

Just One More Year’

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When contemplating retirement, the scarcity mindset can lead to a common rationalization: If I work another year (or two, or three …), it will ensure that I have enough retirement assets to last in retirement.

The “Just One More Year Syndrome,” stresses that while retirees should continue work if they find it rewarding, but “each additional year of work only guarantees that you’ll die with more money.” More money to pass on to your heirs and the Internal Revenue Service.

You are trading life energy (which is limited) for money that you did not need. Will it be worth it?” he asked. More importantly, will working one more year ease your scarcity mindset and help you sleep better at night? What about more workplace stress and less time with your family?