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Positive thinking can make you more resilient

Resilience refers to our ability to cope with problems. Resilient people are able to face a crisis or trauma with strength and resolve. Rather than falling apart in the face of such stress, they have the ability to carry on and eventually overcome such adversity. It may come as no surprise to learn that positive thinking can play a major role in resilience. When dealing with a challenge, optimists typically look at what they can do to fix the problem. Instead of giving up hope, they marshal their resources and are willing to ask others for help.

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The Five Basic Needs of Life

Food: All organisms need some form of food. Food provides energy to perform their life functions (reproduce, grow and develop, metabolize, respond to stimuli, and move). The expression “You are what you eat” is true if you consider that our bodies grow and repair themselves using the materials that we ingest in our food.

Water: All organisms require water largely because an organism’s cells are about 70% water. Doctors recommend that humans drink 8 8oz. glasses of water (64 oz.) daily to maintain good health. Water is necessary for many reasons:

It keeps the cells full and operating properly.

Most of the chemical reactions involved in metabolism require water. For

Oxygen: Living organisms require oxygen to combine with food to release the energy in the food— a process called cellular respiration. Even plants (that use carbon dioxide to make their food) require oxygen to burn the food they have made.

Living Space: All organisms require an area in which to live that will provide them with the resources they need to survive.

Proper Temperature: Organisms usually can only live within a small range of temperature—outside of this range their metabolism cannot be maintained and they will probably die. In other words, they cannot maintain their homeostasis.

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Time Capsules

You can use a time capsule to place your predictions in, or your hopes of a certain project. A time capsule can be as simple as a shoebox full of items reserved (or even forgotten) on a high closet shelf until a later date. Other time capsules may need to last a very long time, in which case a strong stainless steel container is recommended, with a proper seal. Keep in mind that creating a capsule for unveiling at some future date is really a two-sided adventure involving both you and those who will uncover it once again.

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Afghanistan Child Victims On The Rise: U.N Report

An increasing number of children have been killed and injured in the conflict in Afghanistan, mostly by the Taliban and other anti-government groups, according to a U.N. report released Monday.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in the report, which covers a two-year period from September 1, 2008 to Aug. 30, 2010, that children continue to be victims of suicide and rocket attacks, improvised explosive devices, and military operations by the Taliban and other armed groups as well as Afghan and international forces.

The report cites examples of children used to carry out suicide attacks and plant bombs, and the recruitment of youngsters by armed groups as well as by the Afghan National Security Forces, despite a government ban on including anyone under the age of 18 in the military or police.

The report said civilian casualties linked to pro-government forces have decreased.

During the two-year period, the secretary-general said 1,795 children were injured or killed because of conflict-related violence, but he said that figure is assumed to be "underreported" because of the difficulty in gaining access to conflict areas.

"The reporting period was marked by increased military activity and a continued deterioration in security, which heightened children's vulnerability to conflict-related violations," Ban said.

In 2010, the report said women and children made up a greater proportion of those killed and injured than in 2009, with child casualties increasing 55 percent from the same period in 2009.

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Appreciating our lives

Life is precious. Most of us can understand that we should make the most of what we have and not let life pass us by, but in reality it can be difficult to do that. It's unrealistic to appreciate every single second - however there are a number of things we can do to be more appreciative of life.

1. Write a list of ALL the people and things you are thankful for.
2. Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to do.
3. Photograph memories; try taking one photo per day.
4. Talk to your loved ones.

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Who is Alexander the Great?

Alexander the Great, also known as Alexander III or Alexander of Macedonia   (born 356 bce, Pella, Macedonia—died June 13, 323 bce, Babylon), king of Macedonia (336–323 bce). He overthrew the Persian Empire, carried Macedonian arms to India, and laid the foundations for the Hellenistic world of territorial kingdoms. Already in his lifetime the subject of fabulous stories, he later became the hero of a full-scale legend bearing only the sketchiest resemblance to his historical career.

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How does reverse psychology work?

Parvana uses reverse psychology to pursue Asif to follow her leadership. Reverse psychology refers to getting another person to do or say something by telling them the opposite of what you really want them to do. It's a form of manipulation that doesn’t always work.

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Singing makes you happy!

What do you do when you are happy? What do you do when you are excited? What do you do when you are not so happy? How do you express your emotions? Emotions are the details of the human mind and psychology. They form the basis for thought and expression. Our emotions and how we express them make us who we are. Music always has a special place in every person’s heart. It makes you sway, it makes you dance, it moves you and touches your soul! Music is rightly called as ‘food for the soul’. And when we are vocal with music, then it’s even better!

All types of singing have positive psychological effects. The act of singing releases endorphins, the brain's "feel good" chemicals. Singing in front of a crowd, a la karaoke, or choir naturally builds confidence, which has broad and long-lasting effects on general well-being.

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Ramadan

Ramadan, is the holy month of fasting that begins and ends with the appearance of the new moon. Islamic tradition states that on the night of 27 Ramadan—the “Night of Power”—Allah (God) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Qurān (Islam’s holy book) “as a guidance for the people.” For Muslims Ramadan is a period of self-examination, communal prayer in the mosque, and reading of the Qurān. Allah forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention.

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What are landmines?

Anti-personnel mines explode from the contact or presence of a person. They are often designed to injure rather than kill, causing injuries like blindness, burns, destroyed limbs and shrapnel wounds. Some types of anti-personnel mines can also damage the tracks or wheels of armored vehicles.

Landmines are unpredictable weapons that injure (maim) or kill civilians every year. There are between 70 and 80 million landmines in the ground in one-third of the world's nations. The presence of landmines threatens people’s lives, and also prevents much-needed economic growth and development. Long after wars are over, landmines make land unusable for farming, schools or living, preventing people from rebuilding lives torn apart by conflict.

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Hygiene

When should you wash your hands:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

How should wash your hands:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

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Worms and Parasites

Dracunculiasis or also known as the Guinea worm disease (GWD) is an infection by a type of worm or parasite. People become infected with Guinea worm by drinking water from ponds and other stagnant (still) water containing tiny "water fleas" that carry the Guinea worm larvae. The larvae are eaten by the water fleas that live in these water sources. After drinking the contaminated water, the larvae are released from copepods in the stomach and penetrate the digestive track, passing into the body cavity. During the next 10-14 months, the female larvae grow into full-size adults. These adults are 60-100 centimeters (2-3 feet) long and as wide as a cooked spaghetti noodle.

When the adult female worm is ready to come out, it creates a blister on the skin anywhere on the body, but usually on the legs and feet. This blister causes a very painful burning feeling and it bursts within 24-72 hours. Immersing the affected body part into water helps relieve the pain. It also causes the Guinea worm to come out of the wound and release a milky white liquid into the water that contains millions of immature larvae. This contaminates the water supply and starts the cycle over again. For several days, the female worm can release more larvae whenever it comes in contact with water.

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How the elderly are treated around the world

How cultures view and treat their elderly is closely linked to their most prized values and traits. Here, a sampling of the experience of aging in different cultures around the world:

Korea: Celebrating old age
Not only do Koreans respect the elderly, but they also celebrate them. For Koreans, the 60th and 70th birthdays are prominent life events, which are commemorated with large-scale family parties and feasts. As in Chinese culture, the universal expectation in Korea is that roles reverse once parents age, and that it is an adult child's duty — and an honorable one at that — to care for his or her parents.

Japan: An elderly predicament
Like the Chinese and the Koreans, the Japanese prize filial piety and expect children to dutifully tend to their parents. But Japan also faces the unique problem of tending to an increasingly elderly population. According to Social Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Perspective, 7.2 percent of the Japanese population will be 80 or older in 2020 (compared to 4.1 percent in the U.S.), which will likely lead to a host of new problems for the country. Adult diapers are already outselling baby diapers, and the pension system is on course to dry up.

The U.S. and U.K.: Protestantism at play
Western cultures tend to be youth-centric, emphasizing attributes like individualism and independence. This relates back to the Protestant work ethic, which ties an individual's value to his or her ability to work — something that diminishes in old age. Anthropologist Jared Diamond, who has studied the treatment of the elderly across cultures, has said the geriatric in countries like the U.K. and U.S. live "lonely lives separated from their children and lifelong friends." As their health deteriorates, the elderly in these cultures often move to retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

France: Parents also protected by law
It's difficult to imagine such an Elderly Rights Law being a legislative priority in many Western cultures. France did, however, pass a similar decree in 2004 (Article 207 of the Civil Code) requiring its citizens to keep in touch with their geriatric parents. It was only enacted following two disturbing events, though: One was the publication of statistics revealing France had the highest rate of pensioner suicides in Europe, and the other was the aftermath of a heat wave that killed 15,000 people — most of them elderly, and many of whom had been dead for weeks before they were found.

The Mediterranean and Latin culture: One big, happy family
Mediterranean and Latin cultures place similar priority on the family. In both cultures, it's commonplace for multiple generations to live under one roof, (à la My Big Fat Greek Wedding) sharing a home and all the duties that come with maintaining one. In the contemporary iteration of this living arrangement, the oldest generation often is relied on to assist with caring for the youngest, while the breadwinners labor outside the home. As such, the aged remain thoroughly integrated well into their last days.

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5 Stages of Coping with Death

While all five stages are common, there is no set range of time for each stage. The order in which the stages occur is typical, but it can be in different order for different people. Someone who has lost a loved one also may pass through one stage to another only to go back and experience the previous stage once more before the grieving process continues.

1. Denial: Denial, numbness and disbelief are normal first reactions to the loss of a loved one. This reaction serves as an immediate way to protect you from the intensity of the loss and diminishes the shock of the death. Sometimes seen as a lack of caring, the denial stage will fade as you gain the ability to cope with the loss.
2. Anger is a typical reaction when you feel powerless and helpless, as in the death of someone close. The loss of death may give a feeling of abandonment as well as feeling of resentment for being "left behind." As you begin to acknowledge your anger, the anger will begin to diminish and allow you to enter the next stage of the grieving process.
3. Bargaining: According to the University of Iowa, bargaining manifests itself when you feel as if there may have been something you personally could or should have done to prevent the death. A manifestation of guilt, if not dealt with and absorbed, the bargaining stage can allow guilt and remorse to overcome you. This may in turn "stall" you in the healing process and deter you from entering the next stage.
4. Depression: Depression may manifest itself as loss of appetite, inability to sleep, depletion of energy and lack of concentration. Other symptoms may be feelings of loneliness, emptiness, self-pity and isolation as you learn to cope with the loss and move on with your life.
5. Acceptance: Once you reach the acceptance stage, you are able to come to terms with the death of your loved one and continue with your life. The loss becomes integrated into your life and time allows you to assimilate the death as part of your life experience.

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Why did the author reference the novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird” in this chapter?

The most important theme of To Kill a Mockingbird is the book’s exploration of the moral nature of human beings—that is, whether people are essentially good or essentially evil. The novel approaches this question by dramatizing Scout and Jem’s transition from a perspective of childhood innocence, in which they assume that people are good because they have never seen evil, to a more adult perspective, in which they have confronted evil and must incorporate it into their understanding of the world. As a result of this portrayal of the transition from innocence to experience, one of the book’s important subthemes involves the threat that hatred, prejudice, and ignorance pose to the innocent: people such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are not prepared for the evil that they encounter, and, as a result, they are destroyed. Even Jem is victimized to an extent by his discovery of the evil of racism during and after the trial. Whereas Scout is able to maintain her basic faith in human nature despite Tom’s conviction, Jem’s faith in justice and in humanity is badly damaged, and he retreats into a state of disillusionment.

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Internally displaced persons (IDPs)

Internally displaced persons, or IDPs, are among the world’s most vulnerable people. Unlike refugees, IDPs have not crossed an international border to find sanctuary but have remained inside their home countries. Even if they have fled for similar reasons as refugees (armed conflict, generalized violence, human rights violations), IDPs legally remain under the protection of their own government – even though that government might be the cause of their flight. As citizens, they retain all of their rights and protection under both human rights and international humanitarian law.

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What is malnutrition?

A malnourished person finds that their body has difficulty doing normal things such as growing and resisting disease. Physical work becomes problematic and even learning abilities can be diminished. For children, malnutrition at an early age leads to stunted growth and mental development during childhood.

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Emergency Food Aid

Natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes and droughts, and manmade disasters, such as war or conflict, often make it impossible for affected populations to get enough food to eat.  Private volunteer organizations and intergovernmental organizations can request emergency food aid from the USAID Office of Food for Peace based on an assessment of need – identifying the nature of the crisis, the number of people who will receive assistance, the types and amounts of commodities needed, the manner in which the food aid will be given to the targeted groups, and the cost of distribution.

Some problems with food aid are that It is a donor-driven system. It promotes domestic interests of donor countries. It is a foreign policy tool. International institutions are driven by exporters. Development is not necessarily the objective.

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How to find peace in tough times?

Parvana has suffered many losses in her life but uses hope to drive positive action. Only in the dark can you see the stars.  The stars are hope.  Look for them.

The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for.  The most you can do is live inside that hope as you work for what you want.  Do not admire what you hope for from a distance, but live right in it.  Get deeply involved with the thoughts and activities that keep your hope alive and your intention possible.

No, hope alone will not save you from despair.  Hope empowers you to strive and grow even when your circumstances are in shambles.  The road that is built with hope is more pleasant than the road built in despair, even though they both may seem to lead you to the same place in the short-term.  It is the positive growth you attain on your way to this temporary place that will benefit your final destination. It’s all about balance – accepting reality without giving up on what needs to be done to reach your desired destination in the long run.

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