The Importance of Knowing Your Family History and How to Discover It
By Luke Douglas
Do you know the ins and outs of your family tree? Beyond your core family, have you ever
looked into your roots? It's possible that now is the best moment to go off on your adventure.
Learning about your family history may provide insight into your identity and your place in the
world. However, these are not the only advantages. Read on to find out why knowing your
family history is so important and how to discover it.
Talk to your older relatives
The elder members of your family, even those who are just a couple of years your senior,
can provide you with a lot of valuable information.
Interviewing your ancestors using a digital recorder and well-thought-out questions can help
jog your memory and uncover details you may have missed the first hundred times you
heard the same stories. Furthermore, if you go on a treasure hunt first and then conduct
interviews, you will have exciting information to share with your loved ones. By having them
look for certain names or locations in old photographs, for instance, you might elicit tales and
clues.
Get the ball rolling by probing your family tree with questions about your own parents,
grandparents, and even farther back if you can.
Delve deep into documents
If they exist, you should begin your search by getting a hold of essential documents
pertaining to marriage, birth, and divorce. If possible, you may request genealogy services to
help you make sense of the legalese of the past.
The majority of countries have been maintaining up-to-date vital records since the turn of the
twentieth century. Do a Google search for websites for each archive to learn more about
getting vital records.
Confidence in your own identity
Understanding oneself is a journey unlike any other. Learning about your heritage,
participating in family rituals, appreciating your heritage, and realizing your own beauty and
individuality may all be enlightening experiences. Enhancing feelings of self-worth and
community is another benefit of knowing where you came from.
You can learn compassion
Studying our ancestor's past helps us understand the hard times they went through and feel
compassion for their flaws and mistakes. Our interactions with the living, both within and
outside of our families, may benefit greatly from this kind of compassion.
Things are difficult for all of us. We can all improve as workers, managers, lovers, parents,
children, siblings, and human beings if we keep that in mind while considering the flaws of
others around us.
Get in touch with your extended relatives
Those you've lost contact with over the years can turn up when you delve into your family's
past. There's a chance you'll find out you have close, long-lost relatives living in the area!
You are more informed when making medical decisions.
Learning about potential health issues in your family might help you prepare for them. It will
provide you with the tools you need to take charge of your health and avoid future problems,
whether that's via dietary adjustments or seeing a primary care physician.
You may come to feel more strong and capable
Your forefathers probably overcame obstacles in the past that appear insurmountable now.
Learning about their experiences and overcoming adversity might give you the motivation to
face your own struggles head-on. Understanding your roots helps strengthen your ability to
weather difficult times.
You can pass your knowledge to your children
Researching your family tree and recording all the information is the best way to ensure that
your heritage will be passed down to future generations. Create something lovely that future
generations will cherish by recording your life story.
Researching one's family history often begins with a trip to the local courthouse to peruse
vital documents. The importance of learning about one's ancestry is multifaceted. We hope
we have convinced you why knowing your family history can be very beneficial for you and
future generations.
Featured image photo by Mr Cup / Fabien Barral on Unsplash
The Advantages of Living Naturally
Living naturally doesn't mean you must go all out and start living in a treehouse. Instead, why
not try living a more natural lifestyle? It has so many benefits for your mind, body, and soul.
Here are five reasons why you should live an all-natural lifestyle:
1. You’ll Be Healthier
Living an all-natural lifestyle will help you become healthier overall. When you eat healthy
foods and exercise regularly, you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly.
Additionally, natural remedies can help boost your immune system and fight off illness. Also,
exercise helps to keep your heart and lungs healthy, and it can also help you to maintain a
healthy weight and adequate rest allow your body to heal and repair itself.
2. You’ll Look Younger
Who doesn’t want to look young and radiant? An all-natural lifestyle can help you achieve just
that. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly will improve your circulation and give your
skin a natural, healthy glow.
3. You’ll Have More Energy
If you’re constantly feeling tired, an all-natural lifestyle may be what you need. When you eat
nutritious foods and exercise regularly, your body will have the energy it requires to function
correctly. You’ll also be able to sleep better at night, further improving your energy levels during
the day.
4. You’ll Be Less Stressed
An all-natural lifestyle can help reduce stress levels. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, and
eating healthy foods will help improve your mood and mental state. Additionally, natural
remedies such as aromatherapy can help reduce stress levels.
5. You’ll Be Happier
When you live an all-natural lifestyle, you’ll likely be happier overall. This is because you’ll care
for your mind, body, and soul. You’ll feel good knowing that you’re doing something positive
for yourself, and you’ll be less likely to experience adverse health effects.
Different Ways You Can Switch to Living an All Natural Life
If you desire to start living a natural life, try these habits:
1. Start by Eating Healthy
Eating healthy foods is one of the best ways to live an all-natural life. Make sure to eat plenty of
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar and fat.
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is not only good for your health, but it’s also good for the environment. Walking, biking
and swimming are all great exercises that don’t require any special equipment or membership
fees.
3. Use Natural Products
Another way to live an all-natural life is to use natural products instead of synthetic ones. For
example, use natural cleaning, personal care, and homeopathic remedies. Living a natural
lifestyle also has benefits for the environment. Using natural products helps to reduce the amount
of pollution that is produced. It also helps to conserve resources.
4. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Reducing the amount of stuff you use, reusing what you can, and recycling what you can’t reuse
are all great ways to live an all-natural life.
5. Live a Simple Life
Finally, another best way to live an all-natural life is to live a simple life. That means consuming
less, wasting less, and living more simply.
The Negatives of Living an Artificial Lifestyle
If you live an all-natural life, you may find a few disadvantages, such as:
1. You Might Spend More Money
If you live an all-natural life, you might spend more money on healthy food and natural products.
However, the long-term benefits of living a healthy life outweigh the extra cost.
2. You Might Have to Give Up Some of Your Favorite Things
In most cases, you might have to give up some of your favorite things, such as processed foods
and synthetic products. However, natural alternatives are usually just as good, if not better.
3. You Might Have to Change Your Lifestyle
Finally, changing your lifestyle may be necessary to accommodate a healthy diet and exercise
regimen. However, the benefits of living a healthy life are worth the effort.
Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for AKRS Equipment Solutions Inc.
Featured image Photo by Tim Swaan on Unsplash
Chinese New Year & The Chinese Zodiac
By Emma Suttie, D.Ac, AP
Chinese New Year
The celebration of the New Year is the longest, most important and most anticipated Chinese holiday. The Chinese New Year is celebrated by an estimated one-sixth of the population or one billion people! Because it is traditionally a holiday spent with family, the coming New Year causes an enormous number of people to travel to be with loved ones and has been called the largest annual human migration in the world. The traditional holiday period is 23 days long and is called the Spring Festival. it is broken up into three parts. The first eight days are called Little Year. This is when the preparations for the New Year begin and go until New Year's Eve. Chinese New Year officially begins on the ninth day and runs for the next ten days, for eleven days in total. This is officially called the Spring Festival. The last four days are called the Lantern Festival. Preparations begin on the first day and the Lantern Festival is held on the last day. Below is a chart to help you visualize it.
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels
The Lunar Calendar
The date for the Chinese New Year varies each year because the Chinese Zodiac system is based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar and not the solar or Gregorian calendar that is used in the West and internationally. Using the lunar calendar, the first day of the month begins on the new moon. Chinese New Year's day is the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. This is why the specific date of the Chinese New Year changes every year but is always between January 21st and February 20th.
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels
The 12 Animals of the Chinese Zodiac
There are twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac and they go in a specific order. Every New Year it signifies the movement to the next animal in the cycle. The really interesting thing is that each animal year has lots of personality traits associated with it, and people born in that year are seen to be imbued with those particular traits.
What's Your Zodiac Sign?
The year you were born determines your Chinese zodiac sign, but, because it is based on the lunar calendar and not the solar, or gregorian calendar. People born in January or February have to pay special attention to their birth date as well as the year to make sure they get their Chinese zodiac sign correct as the exact date of the transition between animals varies every year. Here are the animals in the Chinese zodiac in order, starting with the year of the rat.
RAT - OX - TIGER- RABBIT - DRAGON - SNAKE - HORSE - GOAT - MONKEY - ROOSTER - DOG - PIG
Rat
People born in the year of the rat are highly organized and love saving money and collecting beautiful things. They are very discerning with the people they spend their time with. Rats don't like to be the centre of attention but are highly observant and very sensitive.
Ox
People born in the year of the ox are strong, quiet and very hard working. They have a strong sense of responsibility, and will always get the job done. They keep their emotions (and most other things) to themselves. If they run into difficulties, they always persevere. They don't lose their temper often but when they do, it is explosive.
Tiger
People born in the year of the tiger are highly protective, independent and are natural-born leaders. Justice is important to them and they are not afraid to fight to get it. In Chinese culture, tigers are believed to be the guardians of children so children often wear clothing, hats and shoes with tiger designs for protection.
Rabbit
People born in the year of the rabbit are gentle and kind. They are responsible and have great attention to detail. They are intelligent and excellent with their hands, making them excellent artists, craftsmen, builders and chefs. In Chinese culture, the rabbit represents the moon.
Dragon
The dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. People born in the year of the dragon are mysterious and majestic. They are full of personality and love lives full of adventure. They are natural leaders and very charismatic. They will never lead a boring life. They are extremely ambitious and achieve great things. Dragons are a very revered creature in Chinese culture and represent royalty. Emperors were often seen as the reincarnation of dragons.
Snake
People born in the year of the snake are determined and devoted. They are rational, calm and thoughtful. They love solving complex problems and have many talents allowing them to be able to choose many different professions. Snakes are graceful and are loyal to all the people in their lives.
Horse
People born in the year of the horse are strong, powerful and elegant. They have great strength and enthusiasm. They love their freedom and have a strong sense of adventure. Horses are intelligent and quick-witted making them suitable for fast-paced professions as they can think on their feet and adapt to change.
Goat
People born in the year of the goat are loving, kind and gentle. They are lovers of animals, children and nature. They love to care for others because they are thoughtful and good-natured. They have many friends as they are great listeners and always understanding and kind.
Monkey
People born in the year of the monkey are highly intelligent, clever and adventurous. They are creative thinkers, have many interests and excel in many areas. They tend to be tricksters, but are good-natured. they are very sociable and humourous and are well-liked by their many friends. They make excellent leaders.
Rooster
People born in the year of the rooster are magnetic, confident and high energy. They love being the centre of attention and are charismatic, very sociable and successful. Roosters are intelligent, and organized, resourceful and courageous, they will lead an exciting life.
Dog
People born in the year of the dog are loyal, honest and kind. Because of their intense loyalty, they love to serve others. Warm-hearted, sensitive and generous, they always have many people around them who love them. They are dependable, intelligent and resilient, making them great friends and allies.
Pig
People born in the year of the pig are intelligent, generous and helpful. Sincere, romantic and generous, they have a laid back attitude and don't let things get to them. They are able to see the big picture and not get caught up in the details. They are calm and collected and are great at settling disputes.
RAT - OX - TIGER- RABBIT - DRAGON - SNAKE - HORSE - GOAT - MONKEY - ROOSTER - DOG - PIG
This cute image from cafeastrology.com
Being In Your Animal Year or Ben Ming Nian
Being in your birth year, or Ben Ming Nian in the Chinese zodiac happens every twelve years. You would think that when your animal rolls around that it would be a good thing, because it is YOUR animal so it must signify all kinds of good things for you, right?
Unfortunately, the opposite is true. It is considered a year that you have to be especially careful and where you are most predisposed to attacks from evil spirits and general misfortune. Good news though, something you can do to ward off any bad luck or calamity during your year is to wear red underwear every day. Yup, every day...
So why is it that being in your animal year is considered to be such bad luck? According to Chinese astrology, people in their animal year are believed to offend the 'God of Age' Tai Sui. Tai Sui is called a star, but is not in fact a star but roughly corresponds to Jupiter. Jupiter takes 11.86 years to orbit the earth and is an imaginary star that changes its position exactly 30 degrees each year, which means it orbits the earth exactly every twelve years.
The 'star' Tai Sui is said to bring back luck and misfortune to people in the zodiac year of the animal in which they were born. For example, if you were born in the year of the rat and you are presently in a rat year, you may be in for a rough year. Tai Sui eventually evolved into the God of Age and has been worshipped by many generations of Chinese. People offer the God of Age sacrifices to keep themselves safe from bad luck and offer blessings in their zodiac year. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can fend off bad luck in your zodiac year.
Getting Good Luck in Your Animal Year
Wear Red
Red is one of the luckiest colours in Chinese culture and is seen to ward off evil spirits and drive away bad luck. Red symbolizes prosperity, success, loyalty and happiness. Wearing red items like clothing, shoes, belts or socks in your animal year will bring you good luck and give you a better chance of having a good year. Red clothing will bring luck, but red underwear seems to really amplify red's luck producing effects. There is an important rule though to make sure that wearing red will have the desired effects - the red items (and especially the underwear) must NOT be bought by you, it must be bought by someone close to you like your spouse, family member or friend.
Photo by Castorly Stock on Pexels
Wear Jade
Wearing jade accessories like jewellery during your animal year is also seen to ward off evil spirits and encourage good luck.
Facing Away From Tai Sui
Because Tai Sui is seen to change position by 30 degrees every year, Chinese astrologers say that if you simply face away from the direction Tai Sui is presently occupying you can not only ward off bad luck, but you can bring good luck by simply facing in the opposite direction. Some Chinese take this seriously changing the position of furniture in their homes and sometimes where they live and work so they can be facing away from the God of Age and preserve their good luck for the entire year.
Origins of the Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese Zodiac or Sheng Xiao (生肖) is thought to have its origins in animal worship and dates back to the Qing dynasty, more than 200 years ago.
Legend has it that the creation of the Chinese zodiac comes from the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor is one of the most important deities in Chinese mythology. He is the ruler of heaven and the first emperor of China. He was renowned for his fairness, benevolence and mercy. Even in the present day, the Jade Emperor plays a significant role in Chinese life, especially during the New Year when the Jade Emperor is said to judge the character of each individual over the past year and reward or punish them accordingly.
The legend has it that the Jade Emperor summoned all the animals to his palace for a great feast, and they order in which they arrived determined their place in the zodiac.
The Chinese zodiac is extremely popular in China and the rest of Asia to this day and is an integral part of everyday life. The zodiac is used to determine what will happen during the year ahead, relationship compatibility, career and financial advice, the best time to have a baby and many aspects of daily life.
*Featured image by Min An on Pexels
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5 Tips for Athletes to Thrive on a Plant-Based Diet
By Luke Douglas
Over the years, vegan and plant-based diets and lifestyles have become extremely popular around the world. Naturally, this is a good thing for Mother Earth as well as our general well-being, so if you’re contemplating making this transition, rest assured you’re not in the wrong. That said, it’s important to note that sustaining a vegan lifestyle or simply a plant-based diet can be difficult at times, and if you’re a novice, it can seem completely overwhelming. Especially if you’re an active individual who cares a great deal about their nutrition.
After all, you’re eating to fuel your body and your mind in training and perform at your best, so you need the nutrition approach to match your goals. Without a doubt, a plant-based diet fits well into an athlete’s lifestyle, but only if you know that you’re doing. Let’s take a look at the five tips that will help you thrive on a plant-based diet as an athlete.
Mind your caloric intake
First things first, before we get into macro and micronutrients, we need to address the overarching question of calories. As an athlete, you probably know that calories are the predominant factor that influences your figure and performance. While it is true that not all calories are created equal, it’s also true that fueling your body with the right number of calories daily is paramount for peak performance.
Eat too much, and you will gain unwanted weight. Eat too little, and your precious muscle will start deteriorating and you will lose weight. Now, it’s important to keep in mind that a plant-based diet can often be low in calories, whereas meats, dairy, and eggs are calorie-dense.
Don’t let this catch you off-guard, and keep in mind that you will need to eat more food on a plant-based diet to compensate and get enough calories in daily. If you’re unsure how many calories you need, you can refer to Mayo Clinic’s handy calorie calculator.
Understand complete vs incomplete proteins
Photo by Marta Branco from Pexels
Protein intake is one of the most important factors that will determine your performance and progress as an athlete. Not only is protein an excellent source of sustainable energy next to carbohydrates, but it is also an essential building block of new muscle tissue. If you’re looking to add lean muscle to your frame and ensure long-term health and well-being, then you mustn’t skimp on protein consumption.
On a plant-based diet, however, you need to be very careful where you’re getting your protein from. This is the matter of complete vs incomplete protein sources, and you need to prioritize the former in your clean diet in order to get all the essential amino acids to build muscle, fuel your body, and reach your weight goals. You can find complete proteins in nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, buckwheat, seitan and soy, whole grains, and the like.
Supplementation is more important than for carnivores
Before we get into supplementation, understand that supplements are not there to replace a wholesome diet. You still need to eat all your meals and get micro and macronutrients from whole foods, however, getting the right amount every day can be a challenge as a vegan.
Adequate protein intake can be one of the biggest challenges. So it’s important to delve deeper into the matter and go through a reliable plant protein guide where you will find out exactly how to maximize your protein intake and find the right supplement that is vegan-friendly and has all the amino acids you need. For vegans, it’s also important to supplement with vitamins D3 and B12, zinc and iodine, iron, and calcium.
Fats and carbs matter as well
Of course, it’s not just about the amount of protein you consume or if you’re getting all the micronutrients – you also have to be mindful of your fats and carb intake. Carbohydrates are your body’s primary fuel source, and luckily, the plant-based diet is rich with slow-releasing carbs that will provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Fats, on the other hand, are essential for the proper functioning of your immune system and are important for brain health. You can find healthy fats in all nuts and seeds, but also in avocados, olive oil, and coconut oil.
Ensure consistency over the long term
Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels
On a final note, always remember that staying consistent with your new lifestyle will be the key to long-term success. This is a journey, not a destination, so you have to make sure that you’re able to adhere to the plant-based diet in the long run.
This can be a challenge if you’re new to the vegan game and haven’t yet mastered the art of meal prepping. Make sure to use a slow Sunday afternoon to prep the majority of your meals for the upcoming week, and you will have no problem sticking with a healthy plant-based diet no matter how hectic your life might be.
Wrapping up
Switching to a plant-based diet can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be if you take a calculated approach. Use these tips to transition to a plant-based diet quickly and easily, and most importantly, to make it an inextricable part of your lifestyle.
Luke is a lifestyle blogger. He is editor in chief at blog Ripped.me and one of the contributors at blog Trans4Mind. He follows the trends in fitness, gym and healthy life and loves to share his knowledge through useful and informative articles.
Connect with him on Facebook & Twitter
Featured image photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash
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