All Posts By

Norm Dominguez

Apr 30
0

Why “Showing Up” is So Important in Relationships

By | Treat With Respect | No Comments

“I give you my word” – in times past, this was considered the equivalent of a written contract; a man’s word was binding. Once given, it would be unthinkable to renege on; such an action would cause a loss of good faith in him, and could affect his business, personal life and reputation.

In the times we live in, however, people’s word seems to count for less and less. How many times have we agreed to plans with friends, family, or our SO, only to back out later on, pleading work demands, tiredness or, sometimes, just out of plain laziness. Yes, things come up; yes, sometimes changing your plans is unavoidable, but I, for one, would love to get back to a place where a person’s words means something and can be counted on.

We are all busy with the various demands of life, but any friendship or relationship will require some give-and-take, some sacrifice. Showing up for the people you care about builds their trust and faith in you; a belief and knowledge that you will be there for them.  This is what separates you from the billions of other people in the world; this is what makes you special– you care about them.

Granted, friendship means different things to different people, but I very much doubt there is a single person who doesn’t expect their friends to be there for them when they say they will be.

Sticking to your word and showing up when you say you will is how you build trust and respect in each other – and no friendship or relationship can survive for long without those elements. Over time, the less you “show up”, the less that those who are important to you will feel they can rely on you, which can cause a sometimes irreparable distance. It might not bring about an end to the friendship, but then again, it might, and are you willing to lose someone important to you?

“When enough people make false promises, words stop meaning anything.”

Jon Snow says that, and, just because it’s on HBO, it doesn’t make it any less true.

Showing up, translated, means: Showing you care. Don’t forget that.

 

 

Apr 25
1

Travel Is Good for You, and Here’s Why

By | Enjoy A Little Craziness | No Comments

Who doesn’t love to travel? There’s just something about the lure of adventure, the curiosity about other people and places and, of course, the many wonderfully delightful experiences along the way that have most of us dreaming about a life that allows us to just go – wherever and whenever we want.

The good news is that, not only is travel extremely enjoyable, it’s also good for you – physically, mentally and psychologically.

Following is a list of the top 10 reasons adventure travel should be high on your priority list:

Getting Dirty

According to recent reports by scientists, our human obsession with cleanliness and pristine living conditions could be leading to a rise in allergies, asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. Being around a certain amount of dirt is good for your immune system and it keeps it strong. Adventure travel = getting dirty. It’s good for you.

Outdoor Activities

Although the fact that the more time we spend outdoors, the better it is for our health, is not by any means a new concept, doctors have actually begun prescribing it to treat all kinds of health problems, from heart disease to ADD and numerous other conditions in between. If you want to prevent the possible onset of most of the maladies you’re afraid of, consider setting out on an adventure.

No Age Limit

When it comes to the great outdoors, the world is your playground. Anyone, young or old, can participate in adventure travel, and enjoy it just the same. There are many things that change for us as we get older, but the pleasure of travel doesn’t have to be one of them.

Grow Your Brain

Ordinarily, once you’re in your mid-50’s, the hippocampus gets smaller, leading to memory loss; but walking or hiking on a regular basis can grow your hippocampus, helping you to retain your memory and stay sharper for longer, and who doesn’t want that?

Coping with Uncertainty

As humans, we naturally want and need to feel in control and, when we don’t, it stresses us out – and we all know how unhealthy stress is for us. Travelling often keeps your tolerance for the unknown and uncertain at a high point, which is much better for you in the long run.

Free Trial

Most of us spend our lives tending to our responsibilities, our families and everything we’ve built around them. Travelling helps knock out the familiarity of our daily routine and gives us a fresh taste of adventure and excitement, leaving us better able to cope with the everyday regularity of our lives, without resentment or thoughts of the different paths we could have taken. When you travel, you can be whoever you want to be.

Time to Reflect

As humans, we often get very caught up in the present and don’t have a lot of time to reflect, whether on the past or future. But reflection is good for you, and the wonderful memories we create through travel can continue to bring us pleasure for many years to come.

Build Confidence

When you dream of going somewhere, getting there brings you a huge sense of fulfilment and purpose. A dream coming true means that your other dreams become possibilities as well, which builds your confidence in yourself and in your future.

Bring Adventure Back

It’s no secret that many of the children growing up today don’t have the same dreams of adventure that those who are adults now did when they were growing up. This is because they spend most of their time indoors instead of outdoors, chasing rainbows, sunlight and adventure; their imagination taking them to faraway places. It’s time to bring adventure back, and travel is the perfect way to do it.

  Save the World

Science warns us that in as short a time as the next 9 years, global warming will become irreversible, triggering huge climate change and all the problems that will come with it. People – and a lot of them – will need to step up and change the environmental habits that are harming the world we live in. Who better to do it than the adventure traveller, who has been to so many places and seen it all? Travel today; save the world tomorrow.

In the wise words of Pink Floyd:

“For long you live

And high you fly

And smiles you’ll give

And tears you’ll cry

And all you touch

And all you see

Is all your life

Will ever be”

Make that life a magnificent one.

 

Apr 16
0

If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It

By | Accept Responsibility | No Comments

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting” – Paulo Coelho.

Everybody has a dream. From the time we were children we dreamed of all sorts of things – our imagination took us on travels, adventures and journeys to the far corners of the earth, the depths of the ocean and even into space. As we grew up, however, our dreams became less and less significant, crowded out by the realities of life and the, sometimes daily, struggle just to get by. We forgot about our dreams, either because they seemed unrealistic or because we simply didn’t have the time or opportunity to follow them.

But let me tell you something. Dreams don’t have an expiration date. If you have a dream, you owe it to yourself to chase it; to do everything in your power to make that dream come true. Your dreams are who you were before society’s rules took you down a different path. There is still a child inside every one of us; a child filled with wonder, whose imagination is still limitless. You owe it to yourself to pursue your dreams relentlessly. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Your dreams are attainable, they are within your reach; but you have to be the one to step out of your comfort zone and take the risks that will start you on the journey to the life you always dreamt of.

Remember, it’s YOUR dream, YOUR idea, YOUR vision. There’s no one else out there responsible for making your dreams come true. If you want something, really want it, you have to fight for it and work hard to make it happen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any dream is a possibility; even if it’s something that has never been done before. Once you start thinking of dreams as possibilities, it will open your mind to see everything you need to make it happen. Dreams become possibilities that solidify into plans. Even if you’re only taking a small step towards it, it’s better than nothing. You will get there eventually.

Believe in yourself and believe in your dreams. As Paulo Coelho says in his book The Alchemist:

“People are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.”

Believe that, always.

 

Apr 12
0

The 9 Best Book Blogs for a Bibliophile

By | Keep Your Word | No Comments

“Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible form of magic” – a line famously written for us by J.K. Rowling in her, frankly, magical series, Harry Potter. Now, if you’re of those people who feels a little empty after finishing a great book (it’s finished, after all) and you’re wondering where to get your next fix, this article is for you.

There’s nothing like a great book blog to get you and all your fellow bibliophiles together in one place where you can exchange ideas and swap book recommendations. Lovers of the letter must stick together – or something like that anyways. Read on to find out the 9 best blogs that can help you find your next great read.

Omnivoracious

Amazon’s own, Omnivoracious, has everything you need under one roof – from reviews to author interviews, industry updates, and information on any genre for any age group. If you’re looking for an all-in- one, this is the blog for you.

Modern Mrs. Darcy

 

 

 

 

Named after the swoon-worthy anti-hero of our much-loved Pride and Prejudice, Anne Bogel enthralls us all by sharing her recommendations and current reads, along with her own reflections about life.

The Indieview

If you want to read the best books self-published by new authors, you can head over to The Indieview where they are already featured and reviewed for your benefit.

The New York Review of Books

 

 

 

Hankering for something more on the intellectual side? The New York Review of Books is an excellent blog that delves deeply into reviews and analysis of literature.

Nerdy Book Club

 

 

 

 

 

Looking for book recommendations for kids and young adults? The Nerdy Book Club is a group of like-minded readers who actually write books for the age group. Their recommendations and reviews are an excellent place to get some great material for kids and teenagers.

Book Riot

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Riot is a fantastic blog that allows you to search by genre and for different age groups. There is something for everyone here and definitely a place to get your next book recommendation.

The Millions

 

 

 

 

 

 

It can be difficult to find thorough, intelligent and honestly helpful reviews, but The Millions manages to tick every box and is a good place to go for thoughtful discussion on culture as well.

The Paris Review

 

 

 

 

 

This distinguished English language literary magazine was established in Paris in 1953 and has published works by many famous authors, including Jack Kerouac. The blog is an excellent place to visit for reviews, essays and interviews.

The Page Turner

This is the New Yorker’s blog and you can visit it to read their commentary and opinions on culture and books. It has a podcast as well, for the more auditory-inclined.

So, in closing, got a great book? Pass it on! There are so many fantastic blogs to visit that will connect you with like-minded people and keep your love for reading always alive, as it should be.

Apr 02
0

Mothers Are The Pillars Of Strength

By | Blog, Show That You Care, Treat With Respect | No Comments

There is simply no bond in this world that is quite as special and strong as the bond between a mother and her child. It’s a bond born of the miracle of life – your mother fed, nurtured and loved you before you were even born, and that love will continue to follow you for the rest of your life. Time and distance mean nothing to a love like that – it truly is infinite – and Mother’s Day, May 14th (the second Sunday of May), celebrates this unique and vital relationship.

Akshaya Patra is a non-profit NGO that supports these pillars of strength through its school lunch programme, lightening the load of thousands of mothers across India who can now be assured that their child is receiving a healthy meal every single weekday at school.

Among the 2,352 women who work for Akshaya Patra, many are mothers and some are, in fact, mothers of children that are currently benefiting from the midday meal programme. It brings these women immense joy and satisfaction to make a difference and to help impact the lives of these school-age kids – those who are theirs and those who aren’t.

Akshaya Patra also runs their Anganwadi feeding programme at 3,079 Anganwadi centres, reaching 152,041 children from 0-6 years old, and operating in 7 different locations scattered across 5 Indian states. In addition to this, the NGO has striven to provide healthy and nutritious meals to almost 6,000 expectant or lactating mothers at 298 centres in Jaipur alone. The terms of expectancy and lactation are so important, and Akshaya Patra ensures these mothers receive the proper nutrition that is vital for them during this time.

Mothers are at the very center of every home, life and heart, and we are meant to treat them with gentleness, respect and the greatest love. We would not exist without them and that’s why we owe it to them to support them each step of the way, and help give them the life they need and deserve.

Mar 22
0

Medicine and Positive Thinking – Remarkable Healing Through Positive Thinking

By | Blog, Keep Your Word | No Comments

The power of positive thinking – most of us have heard this phrase multiple times in our lives. Many of us have witnessed firsthand its ability to clear our thought processes; to provide us with optimism and belief during difficult times and boost our morale. However, in most people’s minds, the connection between positive thinking and the effect it could have on our physical bodies remains as unrelated as chalk and cheese.

The truth is that the correlation between positive thinking and our physical health is not as distant as you might imagine it to be. It has been scientifically proven that thinking positively does actually heal our bodies and can even prevent disease. Positive thinkers generally show lower levels of cortisol and other stress hormones, are at lower risk for cardiovascular disease and also tend to heal faster after an illness.

This is no coincidence. If science has long accepted (and it has) that stress, anger and anxiety can adversely affect our physical health, doesn’t it stand to reason that positive thinking can improve it; that it can heal us?

Unfortunately, positive thinking is usually classified under what we consider spiritual or metaphysical, but it could not be more effective for us physically. As studies have shown us numerous times, psychological stress not only delays the healing process, but it reduces the effectiveness of vaccines, lowers your immune system and can even cause miscarriages and affect fertility.

With all these numerous benefits to thinking positively, you’d think we’d do it more often. Try it next time you’re unwell. Visualize yourself recovering and recovering quickly. Imagine how much better you’re going to feel the next day; think of everything you’re going to be able to do when you feel stronger.

Once you realize that you literally become what you think and that your body can respond either positively or negatively, depending on the nature of your thoughts, you will become a lot more cautious about which thoughts you allow to take precedence in your mind. We may not be able to stop negative thoughts from occurring at all, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t more than capable of letting optimism, hope and positivity take over; allowing our bodies to heal and even flourish.

Mar 16
1

Live La Vida Loca – How to be Crazy and Enjoy It.

By | Blog | No Comments

“Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.”

Charles Bukowski, an ingenious writer well-known for his insightful and shrewd observations on humanity, was the man who penned this quote. While the word “crazy” has earned itself a somewhat negative connotation, the truth – as history has proven – is that some of the most accomplished and successful people of the past as well as our present time were or are considered to be absolutely off their rocker and, as Steve Jobs so succinctly put it: “Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones that do.” As is par for the course, Steve Jobs was absolutely right.

Fact: It’s not only important to be crazy; it’s also wildly enjoyable and here’s why.

Crazy people:

Don’t Care What Others Think

If you’ve never experienced this, you can never truly know how liberating it is to live your life exactly the way you want to, without caring about how others will perceive you or whether or not they’re judging you. There’s a huge amount of freedom that comes with accepting yourself for who you are and living that way, no matter what others think.

Think Outside of the Box

The ideas that become the actions that change our world for the better are born in the wild imaginations of crazy people.

Don’t Play by the Rules

While some rules are necessary, many of them control our lives while in no way improving it; rules of religion, society, politics and relationships that don’t enable you to live your best life. Not playing by those rules gives you the freedom to be yourself, live on your own terms and enjoy the outcome.

Don’t Accept a Negative Outcome

Far from being a discouragement, to a crazy person, the word “no” is simply an added impetus to keep on going, full steam ahead. They’ve heard the word multiple times, from their families, from their friends and from society but it doesn’t matter one whit to them. They have a place they are determined to go and they will get there, no matter what you say.

Believe in Themselves

Crazy people have the kind of self-belief most of us can only dream of having. They back themselves 100% and do not accept defeat in any area of their lives.

Aren’t Afraid of Failure

Whether you’re crazy or not, you will face failure at some point in your life. The difference is in how that failure is handled and crazy people know how to handle it. They are reckless enough to dive in headfirst without fear because failure is nothing but a bend in the road to them.

Don’t Need Permission

The saying “I would rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission” is the crazy person’s byword. The notion that what they are striving towards will ruffle a few feathers does not bother them in the least.

Have Star Quality

Crazy people stand out. Their craziness lends them a charisma that attracts success. People are often in awe of them and for good reason. They aren’t afraid to express their individuality and it makes them unforgettable.

Have Integrity

Because they don’t care what you think, crazy people are able to maintain a very high level of integrity and sincerity in everything they do. You can trust them to say what they mean and stand by it, whether or not anyone agrees with them.

Live With Passion

Because crazy people don’t play by the rules, they aren’t driven by financial gain, but by passion and it’s this passion that ultimately drives them to their success.

Trust Themselves

Crazy people trust their gut, their instinct and their heart. They don’t over think and analyze their way out of something they want to do. If they want it, they will pursue it and, more often than not, they will get it.

Crazy people are successful because they are crazy enough to go fearlessly after what they want. They know the truth; that there is only one way to live and that is with passion.

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire”.

Mar 09
0

Treat With Respect women’s day special

By | Blog | No Comments

On the 19th of February, 2018, Avani Charturvedi made history by becoming the first Indian female pilot to fly a fighter jet – the MiG-21.

Avani, along with two other women, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, became India’s first female fighter pilots in June 2016, showing their mettle, grit and fortitude and shattering stereotypes in both a country and a profession dominated primarily by men.


The 24- year- old is from the Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. Her early education was in Deoland, a small town in Madhya Pradesh and she completed her B.Tech at the Banasthali University of Rajasthan, during which time she joined flight clubs and later passed the exam that enabled her to train for the Indian Air Force.

Following her recent achievement – which facilitated India’s induction into the register of countries in which women pilot fighter jets, such as the UK & USA, Pakistan and Israel – Avani is undergoing stage-3 training that will certify her to pilot fighter jets such as Tejas and Sukhoi.

While she isn’t busy making history, Avani enjoys playing chess as well as table tennis. Her interests are creative as well, showing up in her love for painting and sketching.

It’s women like Avani who embolden other women to reach for their goals, no matter how unattainable they may seem and to have the courage and spirit to fight it out; claim their place in the world and, perhaps, even in history.

Feb 23
0

Be Positive In The Mind & At Heart

By | Blog | No Comments

A positive person has to be realistic,experimental! These factors will motivate the person in trying new things in life ! This indeed will build a positive way of thinking ! Check out how to become a positive person in the following blog.

Positivity can have a resounding impact on your life. With the right perspective, we can fully harness the power that is holds and truly live a happy life. The simple fact is that, there is no room for both positivity and negativity in your life. Therefore, the more of a positive attitude that we live by the happier we are bound to be. Here are some great ways to make sure there is no room for a negative attitude in your life.

Develop the Desire for it

To really feel the impact of positivity in your life you have to accept it. The more you believe positivity will change your life, the more prominent its effects become. It all comes down to how your attitude reflects your desire to make the change for positivity in your life.

Experiment with it

Another great way to be more positive is to find ways to practice it. Always be on the lookout for a situation where you might normally act a certain way. This time try to find a positive reaction. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to manifest a positive attitude on a daily basis.

Choose the Right People

Having the right friends circle is one of the most important steps to becoming a more positive person. You may not notice it, but the opinions and ideals of your immediate social group affects your mental outlook greatly. So, if you are constantly receiving negative input, there will be no space for positivity to grow. Make sure you are around people who are on the same page as you and will help you, not hold you back.

Maintain a Record of positivity

A unique way of staying positive is to maintain a diary of all the positive things that happened in your day. To do so you must search for the positive aspects of every situation of your day. This will help you to find a positive outlook no matter the situation. The better you are at finding the positives, the better you become at pushing away the negatives.

Give credit where it is due

Saying “thank you” to the people who matter most to us is very important. The act of giving thanks helps us to think more positively about the person who we are appreciating. The more you thank others, the more grateful and humble you will become. Your perspective will shift towards one of happiness and positivity as a result.

Feb 16
0

Show Some Love with Valentine’s Day Messages for Parents

By | Blog | No Comments

The way you represent yourself in the world today is a combination of the teaching, values and etiquette that your parents inculcated in you. You should always find a way to make them feel special. This Valentine’s, take some time out to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you!

Valentine’s Day – the globally acknowledged day of love! From the time you were just a kid you’ve probably anticipated the 14th of February in some way; whether to count how many Valentines you received or hoping to receive one from your crush. As an adult, it’s a day you expect to spend with your significant other, whiled away with candlelight dinners, bouquets of roses, chocolates and gifts.

As important and sentimental as Valentine’s Day may be considered to be for lovers, however, there is another significant relationship that you should consider commemorating on Valentine’s Day. I’m talking about the first and most vital relationship you ever built – the one with your parents.

This Valentine’s Day, why not show your parents just how much you appreciate them for giving you the kind of unconditional love you will never find anywhere else. Read on for some ideas of Valentine’s Day messages that are sure to warm your parents’ hearts.

1. I have never known what it was to be alone, because I always had you. Thank you for always being there for me, Mum and Dad.

2. Of all the people I will love in my life, I will always love you the most.

3. I am lucky enough to have had two of the greatest and the strongest people I know raise me. Because of you, I know I can face anything life throws at me. Thank you, Mum & Dad.

4. On this day I want to thank you for your faith and belief in me. You have always been my biggest supporters and I love you.

5. Mum and Dad, I want to thank you for all the sacrifices you made to give me best life you could. I appreciate and love you both very much.

6. I can only hope that one day I can be the kind of parent to my children that you have been to me. I love you, Mum and Dad!

7. From the time I was born you have wiped every tear and healed every hurt. You are more special to me than you know. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mum!

8. Dad, you have been my strongest supporter and biggest hero! I look up to you and love you with all my heart.

9. Thank you for giving me a firm foundation of love and self-belief. I know I can do anything with you behind me, encouraging me. I love you, Mum and Dad.

Your relationship with your parents is the realest and most important relationship you will ever have. Make sure they know just how special they are to you this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy the celebration of the day of love!