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How to live life to the fullest and benefit from all of stages of life
“New year, new me!” This is the sentence we all hear coming from every corner once the year starts. We all want to become the better versions of ourselves, to turn the next year into an adventure.
But most of the time, all we notice is that our lives are growing duller, and we seem to be going down rather than up. So how do we live life to the fullest and enjoy all four stages of life?
The answer is variety. When you wondering how to live your life to the fullest you don’t just have to think of one way to improve your life. If you feel as if you have reached a standstill, try changing more things in your life. Add some spice.
Take a break from ordinary activities and do something for your life. You don’t want to reach your old days, thinking “I wish I did that.” Do it now to spare the regrets! Here are some ways to make your life a lot better this year and live your life to the fullest.
Equipping yourself with a few enjoyable habits can make every stage of life youthful and smooth. Especially as a millennial person, so well known for delaying the commited aspect of life, you can make the third phase less scary.
1. Watch the sunrise
We know, this isn’t what you may have been expecting when you read the word “fascinating” – but our bodies sure agree to it. Have you noticed how dull you feel the entire day, when you wake up with the sun already up, leaving you in a complete hurry to get to your workplace and – once more – go forward with your dull day? Not to mention the stress that the day brings about.
Even if you aren’t a morning person, try to be one and watch the sunrise. Brew some coffee, go on the balcony, terrace, or whatever place brings you a good view, and watch how a new day begins. Not only is the beauty of it enough to brighten your whole day, but it will also make you start the morning like every human should and make you feel more productive in your tasks.
2. Quit the jobs you hate
Life is short, so why should you be torturing yourself by doing something you hate? Say you graduated with a major in biology, dislike working with kids and have a curious mind. Still, you decided to become a teacher since it seemed like less of a hassle at the time – only you realized it’s more of a struggle than it’s worth. You wish you went for a career in research, where you would continue to learn fascinating things.
Well, what are you waiting for? Sure, it’s risky, and it may take a while to reach success, and you may curse your days when you see your wallet. What do you want to be – broke and happy, or rich and miserable?
3. Get out of your comfort zone
Meet new people. Go to new places. Having a better life doesn’t mean that you only have to improve your current social life – you need to expand it. Sure, it’s crucial to groom your relationship with your close friends, but that doesn’t mean you have to say no to new people. Every person comes with new knowledge, a new adventure. Who knows, maybe that person that has been trying to understand you is someone that will rock your world. Many opportunities for an infinitely better life may come from you simply shaking hands with a new person.
4. Be kind to random people
By performing random kindness acts to people, you’ll not only bring about a positive outlook on your life, but you’ll be lifting their moods as well. Hold the door for someone at your job, treat someone to cake, send a random thank you e-mail or simply give some spare change to a homeless person. It won’t only make you feel good throughout the entire day, but it will extend to the other people as well. Studies have shown that helping others significantly increase your own happiness!
5. Get a gym membership
Going to the gym may seem like a drag that you associate with sessions of torture, but you will be thanking yourself later on. Not only will regular exercising make you look like the Greek god you always wished to be, but it will also improve your productivity by increasing your stamina.
Long story short, you will not get tired as easily, and you can get more things done without feeling like you’ve reached a new level of hell. Plus, this will also improve your immune system, and you will no longer feel weak.
If going to the public gym is not your thing, you can make your own training zone at home. Websites such as garagegymplanner.com could help you choose what equipment you should get.
6. Start saving money
Wouldn’t it be better if you drove a car to work every day instead of taking the overly-crowded bus? Sure, there are still traffic jams to keep in mind…but you will at least be sitting in your own space, maybe sipping a coffee without a bunch of other people breathing down your neck.
Saving some money can help you achieve that. Instead of blasting it on stuff you don’t actually need, start a savings account. Eventually, you will save up enough money to buy whatever you want, such as a decent car that will get you from point A to point B.
7. Travel more
The world is big, full of fascinating stuff that you need to see. We’re not trees, so we don’t need to have our roots stuck in the same place for our entire life. Seeing these places on TV won’t compare with the feeling you get by going there yourself. Once you start seeing what the world has to offer, you won’t get enough and will continuously want to learn about different cultures.
Go to places that don’t share your customs or even language. Dare to do something different. Make memories. What you’ll learn this year by traveling will definitely be something to tell your children when you’re old and gray.
8. Learn how to cook
As a man, you probably think that cooking shouldn’t be in your area of expertise; however, knowing the basics of cooking will save you a lot of time, money, as well as indigestion caused by bad food. Plus, if there’s anything that ladies love to see in a man, it’s the ability to cook. Surprise them with a romantic dinner and homemade pasta, and they’ll be yours forever.
8. Pick up dancing
This one is another thing that men probably don’t associate with themselves, and here’s where they are wrong. Even if you aren’t the king of the dancing ring, learning a few dance moves won’t hurt. It will improve your balance, increase your stamina and boost your self-esteem. Plus, just like with the cooking part, many women find this characteristic extremely sexy – so by showing off your tango skills, you might actually be getting yourself a girlfriend this year.
You should never be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. These exact ways to do so may turn your life around for the better so that you’ll have the best year of your life. Why be miserable? Strive to change your ways: read a book, learn the waltz, or try lifting some weights. No matter how simple it may look, it will definitely be worth it in the long run.
Source: get-a-wingman.com
Features
The Prophet part 9
Antubam followed her. She indicated for him to sit down. She was about to call Mary when she emerged from the hall, followed by Suzzie.
“It’s good you are both here,” she said. “There’s something I need to tell all three of you. Mr Antubam, I will not waste time on your so-called interest in me, because you and I are two very different people with absolutely nothing in common. The main point I want to make now is that your so-called church is nothing but a fraud with which you are deceiving people who may be ignorant today, but are still precious in God’s sight.
Apart from deceiving them and enriching yourself, you are using God’s name to commit fraud. Today you may be enjoying money, food, alcohol and women, but you will certainly pay a high price for it, unless of course you are willing to repent now. My concern is for my two sisters.
I am demanding that they cut all links with you, now. No visits to your home or church, and no telephone calls. I have told them to give you back every penny you have given them. I am prepared to find money to pay whatever they owe you. That is all I have to say.”
Antubam rose, furious, and pointed his finger at her.
“Let me warn you, Betty. Yes, I am interested in you, and I am ready to take care of all your needs, even to rent a house and buy a car for you. But I will not allow you to insult me. You better withdraw those words you have used against me now, or I will deal with you very soon.”
“Don’t make me laugh, Antubam. You? Deal with me? Why don’t you deal with me now? You have to wait till you go to the shrine and beg the fetish priest to deal with me? See how miserable you are? I dare you! Leave my house now, and go to that miserable fetish priest and get him to rain down all his powers on me!”
“You will see!” Antubam declared as he moved towards his car. He hesitated for a moment to see if Mary and Suzzie would walk him to the car, but noticing that they were firmly glued to their seats he got in the car and drove home.
He got out of the car and went straight to the drinks cupboard, poured himself a full glass of whisky and gulped down half of it. He sat down and called his batman, Kofi Takyi.
“Which two women did you call today?”
“Aggie, one of the new members is in. She is having supper in the guest room. Priscilla will be coming around 9pm.”
“Good work, Kofi. Now, get me my food.” After wolfing down the fufu and light soup, he gulped down the other half of the whisky and stretched out on the sofa and began a smooth, rhythmic snore. Priscilla entered, walked over and, shaking her head, strolled to the bedroom.
Betty came from the shower to find the two friends still glued to their seats.
“Well? Aren’t you two going to say anything?”
“I have something to say,” Mary said. “I don’t understand you, Betty. You want us to cut all links with Antubam, and to refund all the money he has given us. Now, when we do that, do we come back here tomorrow, sit and stare at the sky and hope and pray that our holy sister (Betty) will bring us manna to eat?”
“Such a stupid statement must not come from you, Mary. What happened to your WASSCE qualifications and your intelligence? Here’s some free advice. Get on the internet. Submit applications for university admission. I am prepared to pay for the two of you. And from tomorrow, start studying the Bible seriously, with the intention of doing what it says. I assure you, there are solutions in the Bible for every problem you face today, and will face tomorrow. All you need, Mary, is to use your God-given intelligence. How could you stoop so low as to take money from a common thief and drunkard like Antubam?”
Suzzie rose quietly and held Betty’s hand. “Do you know, Betty? Until a few minutes ago I did not know that you cared so much about me that you consider me your sister. I promise you. We will do as you say. Mary, we will go and collect the rent money, add it to all the money we have taken, and pay it into the account. From tomorrow, Betty, Mary and I will follow you wherever you go’. With tears streaming down her cheeks she walked away.”
Antubam got up with a start. He checked the time on his phone. It was midnight. He sat up, and was moving towards the bedroom when he heard the voices.
“Is anything the matter?” he said. “You have never come here at this time. I thought you only come at dawn.”
“We are always here. We only contact you when we have to. We have to warn you. That girl is trouble. If you don’t leave her alone there will be problems.”
“I don’t understand. I can’t leave her alone. I must sleep with her as many times as possible, conquer her. Why can’t you get her for me?”
“She is firmly buried in the book. You are sleeping with two women every night, and there are many more available in the church. Leave that girl alone?”
“Do you fear her? What book is that? I don’t know why…..” before he could finish the sentence several flashes of pain like a horsewhip on fire cut across his back, and he yelled, bringing Priscilla and Aggie from their rooms.
“What is it, Antubam?” Priscilla asked.
“Er…er. I saw a revelation about a church member who is in some trouble. I need to pray for her. Please go back to the rooms. I will join you soon.” Aggie went to the room, but Priscilla lingered.
“Antubam, why don’t you tell me what the problem is so that I can help you? It appears you have just received some spiritual lashes. Are you being punished for something you have done?”
“Perhaps your husband is punishing me for sleeping with you.”
“Do you dare insult me, Antubam. You will certainly regret speaking to me like this?”
“You have a loud mouth, but your only abilities in life, Priscilla, are sex and extorting money. I will come and sleep with you shortly, and give you money in the morning. Now leave!” She slipped out quietly, and the voices resumed.
“Next time you talk like that you will receive a much bigger punishment. We are only trying to protect you. You are planning to go to the shrine tomorrow morning to invoke curses on the girl. Be careful. Our master may grant your wish if you press him, but you may regret it.”
“I am sorry if I sound ungrateful, but I just can’t resist that girl. She is so beautiful and sexy. Moreover she has insulted me, and I must punish her.”
“Remember we warned you. You are already in danger. One of your competitors is asking questions about you, and thinking about the possibility of dealing with you. Jehoshaphat Agyiri. Everyone calls him Gidigidi.”
“I have heard of him. But what have I done?”
“He belongs to us. We work for him. He wants to check if you will threaten him. He can’t do you any harm as long as you use the stick. But your main problem will come from the girl.”
“Thank you for your help. As for the girl, please talk to Nana Broni for me. I am ready to pay anything for the pleasure of catching that girl in my bed and disciplining her.”
“Antubam,” Priscilla started, “are you going to apologise for the way you spoke to me? And are you going to apologise for bringing another woman here even though I am here with you?”
“Are you going to collect money from me tomorrow morning, Priscilla?”
“Get into bed, you idiot. I wonder why those women in the church cannot see you for the cheap fraudster you really are.”
Antubam took off at dawn, and arrived at the shrine before five.
“You are welcome, Antubam. We know, yet we still ask, as the saying goes. What brings you here?”
“You already know, Okomfo. I must have the girl at all costs. I am prepared to pay anything.”
“I have already consulted Nana Ama Kokoben. I have prepared a fire for her. She will be here any minute, with her mirrors. What you are asking is beyond me, but she is willing to help you. Ah, here she is.”
The small woman sat on a stool next to Okomfo, and stared into Antubam’s eyes for several minutes.
“I will try to help you, but the effort will come from you.” They moved over to the fire, and she placed the two mirrors over the fire.”
“Look! You will see the girl. Take this needle. When she appears in the mirror, pierce her eyes with the needle. By the time you get back to Tafo she will be at your house. From today, she will follow you just as a dog follows its master.”
By Ekow de Heer
Features
Toothache: Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options
A toothache is a painful sensation in or around a tooth, which can be caused by a variety of factors.
It is a common dental emergency that can affect anyone, regardless of age or oral health.
Toothaches can range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity, and difficulty chewing.
Causes of toothache
There are several causes of toothache, including:
1. Tooth decay: Tooth decay is the most common cause of toothache. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel of the tooth, creating a cavity.
2. Gum disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause toothache. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth infect the gums, causing inflammation and pain.
3. Cracked tooth: A cracked tooth can cause toothache. This can occur due to biting or chewing on something hard, or due to a blow to the mouth.
4. Dental abscess: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the gum tissue. It can cause severe toothache and swelling.
5. Grinding or clenching: Grinding or clenching the teeth can cause toothache. This can occur due to stress, anxiety, or a misaligned bite.
6. Loose or broken filling: A loose or broken filling can cause toothache. This can occur due to wear and tear, or due to a blow to the mouth.
Symptoms of toothache
The symptoms of toothache can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
1. Pain: A sharp, stabbing, or dull ache in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue.
2. Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour tastes, or pressure.
3. Swelling: Swelling of the gum tissue or face.
4. Difficulty chewing: Difficulty chewing or biting due to pain or discomfort.
5. Bad breath: Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
Diagnosis of Toothache
Diagnosing toothache typically involves a combination of:
1. Visual examination: A visual examination of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue.
2. X-rays: X-rays may be taken to check for signs of tooth decay, abscesses, or other problems.
3. Percussion test: A percussion test, which involves tapping on the tooth to check for sensitivity.
Treatment options for toothache
The treatment options for toothache depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Common treatment options include:
1. Fillings: Fillings may be used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma.
2. Extractions: In some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted due to severe decay or damage.
3. Root canals: Root canals may be performed to remove infected pulp from the tooth.
4. Crown or bridge: A crown or bridge may be used to repair a damaged tooth or replace a missing tooth.
5. Pain relief: Pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be prescribed to manage pain and discomfort.
Home remedies for toothache
There are several home remedies that can help to alleviate toothache, including:
1. Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help to reduce pain and swelling.
2. Salt water rinse: Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
3. Cloves: Applying a clove to the affected tooth can help to numb the area and reduce pain.
4. Over-the-counter pain relief: Taking over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to manage pain and discomfort.
Prevention of toothache
Preventing toothache involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including:
1. Brushing and flossing: Brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth.
2. Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help to identify and treat oral health problems early on.
3. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods: Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay and erosion.
4. Wearing a mouth guard: Wearing a mouthguard can help to protect the teeth from injury during sports or other activities.
Conclusion
Toothache is a common dental emergency that can be caused by a variety of factors.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for toothache can help individuals to seek prompt treatment and alleviate pain and discomfort.
By maintaining good oral hygiene habits and avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, individuals can reduce their risk of developing toothache.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
