Browsed by
Author: jmmcfad@gmail.com

How travel makes you smarter, sexier and more productive

How travel makes you smarter, sexier and more productive

Comments 0 Comment

Sometime I find an article that is good or fun enough to be posted here. I found this one on Lonely Planet blog. Get your travel bag packed soon.

Here it is, hope you enjoy it:
How travel makes you smarter, sexier and more productive

Robert ReidLonely Planet author

“Why do we travel? Just a hunch here: because it’s fun. Plus we have to occasionally pay a visit to Uncle Greg in Minneapolis or attend that conference on soybean research your boss makes you go to every year. But, at the same time, travel can pay off in many ways, and science backs it up.

Here are the four main ways that travel can improve your life:
1. Travel makes you younger

David Eagleman, recently profiled as ‘The Possibilian’ in the New Yorker, studies time perception at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and has made many experiments regarding how life-threatening moments feel slowed down.

Travel to new places has always felt like stretched time to me too; a week in Guatemala seems to last as long as three weeks in the Outer Banks – in a good way. So I asked him, for my recent CNN piece on travel to new destinations, whether science can back up my gut reaction.

Eagleman told me adults’ sense of time is more ‘compressed’ than children’s, but that travel to new or ‘novel’ places – the more exotic, the better – is an equalizer of sorts. ‘It essentially puts you, neurally, in the same position as when you were a child.’

Travel: the fountain of youth! And, with its perceived time-stretching possibilities, a life-saver even if you only take a week or two for vacation this summer.

2. Travel makes you smarter

It’s an old cliché that travel broadens your mind. I’d scoff if it weren’t true. A recent psychological study at Indiana University found students had broader answers when they thought the study was imported from Greece, rather than homegrown. What the researchers call ‘psychological distance’ – what we might call ‘armchair travel’ – increases your creativity. A recent review of the psychological distance concept, suggests that travel, or even planning travel and imagining yourself in an unfamiliar and distant location, might not just improve creativity but self-awareness as well.

William Maddux, an American social psychologist, studies how those who live abroad come home more creative too. He told me by phone that ‘immersion’ in a place is key – one of the reasons, he says, he’s working in France.

‘It all depends on someone’s mindset when traveling’, he said. ‘Are they really open to it? If not, and all they do is sit and watch TV, it probably won’t make them more creative… And you don’t necessarily have to cross a border either. What’s more similar New York and Toronto, or New York and Savannah?’

3. Travel makes you more productive

Americans’ relative lack of holiday time is sometimes defended as a strong ‘work ethic’, and a reason the country is so productive. But is it?

This fun Businessweek slideshow shows how many countries’ economic output rivals the US, with far less work time. France, for example, takes off 60% more days off (40 compared to the USA’s 25), and records 98% GDP per hour worked. While the USA remains the world’s top ‘competitive’ country, runner-up, Switzerland, nearly matches the US mark with a week more vacation time.

Some argue taking extended time is even better. In a TED Video on taking sabbaticals, graphic-designer Stefan Sagmeister illustrates how he plans a one-year break from work to ‘experiment’ every seven years simply to generate new ideas.
4. Travel makes you sexier

It’s not just a tan you return with, but stories. According to one recent ItsJustLunch.com survey, the best first-date conversation topic was hobbies, with travel following second. Somehow manage to combine the two, and brace yourself Romeo. Just be sure to have exchanged your Paraguayan guaraní into dollars before the bill arrives.

And if travel has already done its job by making you more creative, youthful, self-aware and productive, you’re bound to be looking pretty good out there.”

Your Friend

Your Friend

Comments 0 Comment

A friend sent this to me and it’s so powerful I have to share it with you. If it impacts you, send it to the world. I we all believed and acted this way the world would be a much happier and safer place.

“I don’t care what you earn, where you live, what you drive, whether you’re gay or straight, fat or thin, tall or short, beautiful or average, rich or poor, smart or not, sick or healthy. If you’re my friend, you’re my friend. I accept you for who you are, and that’s all that counts. If you feel the same… steal this status from me, your friend, like I just did from another friend. I wish everyone felt this way.”

Explore, Dream, Discover by Mark Twain

Explore, Dream, Discover by Mark Twain

Comments 0 Comment

Mark Twain is always good reading and good for motivating quotes. This one means a lot to me.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

When you read it, see yourself doing what he says, throwing off the lines that are holding you back, erase that childhood programing that’s keeping you from leaving your safe harbor and sailing towards the real YOU, and doing what YOU want instead of what others want you to do.

So, unleash your sails, let the trade winds fill them and take you to your dreams. You’ll encounter both rough seas and smooth seas, that’s life, you can and will ride the sea of life and explore and dream and discover great things during your journey. In the end, you’ll be a happier and better person for it.

Responsibility and Freedom and You

Responsibility and Freedom and You

Comments 0 Comment

In our society there is entirely too much finger pointing and not enough who take responsibility for their actions. As Eleanor Roosevelt said,

“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect.”

Politicians, CEOs, your boss, your spouse, your kids and maybe even you, must take responsibility to have a civil society and the freedom our ancestors fought for.

Are those things your value, then look at your relationships, are you carrying your own weight? Are being responsible, are you standing up for freedom?

Why US Government is in Financial Trouble

Why US Government is in Financial Trouble

Comments 0 Comment

Why is our U.S. government in financial trouble.  Basically, my opinion, is that it’s too complicated, too many departments, and rules and regulations.  It needs to be streamlined like most of the private sector has been doing the last few years.  Companies have had to find more efficient, more accurate and faster ways  to do business.  By doing so most, the survivors,  are now profitable or getting there.

I’d like to see our government do the same thing.  Unfortunately, I had an experience this week that shows they aren’t streamlining and making things easier for us.  As an example, a member of our family has a partially disabled child.  Our government has a wonderful program where the Mom and Dad can higher someone, even a relative, to come into the home a few hours per week and help them with the child.  Everything is good so far, and we are very blessed this program exists.

The area I think needs streamlining and cost savings could result is the application process to higher this helper.  The helper/employee had to fill out *8* forms.  The instructions and forms were about 1/4 inch thick, printed SINGLE sided.  And, the instructions used some strange wording making it harder to complete all the forms.

Why *8* forms?

Why 1/4 inch of paper?

Why printed single sided?

Why unclear terms were used?

We are very lucky to live in America and have our wonderful freedom and programs to assist those in need.  No need to get rid of the programs, just make them work efficiently and you’ll be amazed how much money and time could be saved.

Let’s stream line our government and our lives.  Life wasn’t intended to be so complicated!

Thanks for visiting, Inspire Someone Today.

How To Feel Pleasure

How To Feel Pleasure

Comments 0 Comment
Kokopelli

Pleasure and happiness can often be allusive.  In order for a person to grow and find real pleasure it’s more satisfying to look inside yourself and create something original rather than go out and buy the “perfect thing” someone has mass produced.  When you create something that comes from deep inside your Spirit it has more pleasure and meaning to you and others.  At the same time it builds your Character.  Something lacking in society today.

“When you create instead of consume, your capacity for pleasure increases, as opposed to your need for it.

Being a creator gives you a far more lasting and deeply satisfying happiness than consuming ever will.

The act of creation shapes you as a man, refines your sensibilities, improves your strengths, hones your concentration, and builds your character. Passive consumption leaves you untouched and unchanged. Consumptions breeds indifference; creation begets empowerment.

Creating can take many forms. The traditional ones are still some of the best: creating in your job, creating a life of love with your spouse and friends, and creating children. But there are other ways to create as well. Service to your community. Hobbies like gardening, blacksmithing, art, and music. Inventing, writing, blogging, political participation. Creating experiences for other people. Creating a spiritual life. And simply creating your character every day.”  (by Brett & Kate McKay)

So, next time you’re feeling empty and wanting to buy something that will supposedly make you feel pleasure and be happy, stop and think about what you can create yourself be it an artfully crafted meal, a photo, playing a musical instrument or writing a passionate love letter.

Creating is within all of us, share it with the world.

Inspire Others, thanks for stopping by……..John

©May 2011, John McFadden

Solve World Problems

Solve World Problems

Comments 0 Comment
Grandpas Helping Hand, Always there for you.

Today, our world is filled with problems that seem to never “get fixed”.  They go on and on.  Why is that?  Are we not smart enough?  Maybe we don’t care about helping others with devastating problems.  What do we usually do?  We throw money at the problem.  Does that solve the problem? No, because some of the money never gets to the actual problem.  Greed often stands in the way.

Instead of throwing money at the problem how about showing compassion and giving  of yourself?  As Gandhi said:

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would
suffice to solve most of the world’s problem.”

So, let’s give of ourselves, our love, our compassion and our brain power and solve some problems.

What can you and I do, right here, in our own community?  What contacts do you have that can reach out to bigger problems worldwide?  What effort can you organize and make a significant impact  on?  Food for “hotel kids” and others.  Shoes and clothing for people laid off work.  Train somehow for a new job. Teach English to an immigrant. Fix someone’s car who can’t afford it.  Teach people how to grow their own food, even in the cities.  Help and elderly person by mowing their lawn or fixing their house.

There are MANY more ideas you can start here, in your community or neighborhood that could be expanded across America.

Get your brain going, think about how you would feel in the other persons life.  What would you like someone to help you with?

It’s time more INDIVIDUALS and BUSINESSES reach out to their communities and demonstrate COMPASSION for others less fortunate.

YOU and WE are capable of solving problems.  Start NOW, right next door, around the block, across the railroad tracks, in the ghetto, under the freeway overpass, and everywhere else.

A compassionate life journey begins with the first footstep.

You can share this for positive purposes as you wish,  but please show credit.  I want to touch many more people, readers and can only do so with increased readership.

Thanks for stopping by today, John

©John McFadden, 2011

Courage Is Needed Today

Courage Is Needed Today

Comments 0 Comment

 

Courage To Get Back Up

 

With all the hate and anger that are going on in our lives today, next door, in our city, in our state and country and the whole world, and all the pain and negative events and injustices put upon us, NOW is the time for each of us to stand our ground and have COURAGE. To speak up for our values and what we stand for and also sit down and truly listen to each other, for listening is equally important (although often overlooked) and speaking.

Families, even mine, are splintered by mental and physical pain some members inflict upon others and the same in return.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes
to sit down and listen.” Winston Churchill

I pray that each of you who read this will sit down and truly listen to others and meet in the middle, come to a compromise, share love, and mend broken promises and dreams.

Have courage to make the first move towards peace in your family and the world.  Give your love and give peace to others.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Love, Courage, Listening, Forgiving, Inspiring and Dreaming are what makes life worth living.

Thanks for visiting, peace, inspire all those you touch, John

©John McFadden, 2011

Complaining, Whinning, and Griping

Complaining, Whinning, and Griping

Comments 0 Comment
Whinning

I received this in an email this morning.  Complaining, whinning, griping are so easy to do, and often it’s our first reaction to a bump in our road.  Trouble is, it’s not productive and it sets up a roadblock to the things in life you want and dream about it.

Here’s what the Secret says:

From The Secret Daily Teachings

If you are complaining about things in your life, you are on the complaining frequency, and you are not in a position to attract what you want.

Get on to the frequency of good with your thoughts and words. Firstly you will feel good, and secondly you will be on the frequency of receiving more good.
May the joy be with you,

Rhonda Byrne
The Secret and The Power… bringing joy to billions

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That makes sense to me, how about you?

Let’s remember to be more positive and see the possibilities when life takes the bumpy road.

Have a great day, thanks for stopping by, John

©john mcfadden, March 2011

Career Stress

Career Stress

Comments 0 Comment
Relax

Are you stressed out from work, family, problems, set backs, or just plan old everyday life?

Then take some time to regenerate your inner batteries.  Meditation helps charge those batteries and can be done almost anywhere.

I wrote this meditation to help with career and work stresses.  You can adapted it to any stress you have in life.  Give it a try, you’ll feel better.

So here  we go………..

Career Stress Meditation

Now we’re going to improve your thoughts and life in relationship to your Career.

Choose and prepare where you will meditate today.  Choose a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed.  Lower the lights, maybe light a candle.  If you want, turn on some quiet, soft music.

Get comfortable and relaxed, laying down or sitting down.

Take a deep breath and close your eyes.

Relax you body, your shoulders, arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, and toes.

Breath deeply, inhaling slowly, holding it for a moment, then exhale through your open mouth as if you’re gently blowing out a candle.

Continue breathing, slowly, breathe in and out.

In and out, In and out.

Keep your mind focused on your breathing, slowly, gently, and deeply. Feel each breath going through your body.  Do so for two or three minutes.

Now, feel your whole body going into a deep relaxation. Feel your neck, your shoulders, your lower back, your chest, your heart, your arms, your hands, your fingers.  Shake them loose.

Take another deep breath, exhale slowly. Now your hips are relaxed, your legs, your feet and toes.  Wiggle your toes.

Now, breathing slowly, visualize yourself at your work.  Visualize the physical space you spend your working time in.

Notice how you feel, your muscles, your jaw, your neck and back, your mind and your heart.  How do you feel being in the area you work in?  Is it a desk, your home office, an assembly line, a retail store, wherever it is, visualize and feel that space.

Look around, there’s your customers, your co-workers, your boss. What do you feel like in your space?  Are you happy there, stressed, angry, unhappy, unappreciated?

Is it time for change?  Visualize and feel where you would be in your new environment.

Take a deep breath and exhale, relax, and breath again.  Feel these negative feelings fading.  Feel them flowing out of your fingers, the bottom of your feet and all the pores of your body.

Visualize a blue mist surrounding you.  The mist is blue as it is the color of truth, serenity and harmony, and helps to soothe the mind. It is good for cooling, calming, reconstructing and protecting.  It calms the body and mind, raising your frequency to attract the perfect people and opportunities for you.

From today on you will feel positive and relaxed about your life and career.  Life is good today and you’re starting a wonderful new journey.

Stay relaxed, breath in and out.

Now, in this relaxed state, think about how you want to feel at work and career.  What needs to change?  In your mind visualize being relaxed and happy.  Remember, you are bigger than your job.  Your identity is not defined by your job.  You are a unique, talented, skilled and complete person with a mission in life only you can complete.

Meditate on what you would be doing and how you will feel when you’re on the right path.  Take your time, visualizing every element.  Focus on how your want to feel, not every little detail.  The universe will fill in the details.

Maybe it’s still at your current job and things have changed for the better?  Is it somewhere new? What area, country, city or state are you in?  Are you inside or outside, with others or alone, are you working with your hands or your mind?  How do you feel there?  Feel your happiness and satisfaction.  Continue visualizing the perfect place for you and feel as if you are already there.

Continue this process until you have created the complete vision.  It may take several meditations before you see it clearly. With deep thought and searching you will be able to create your vision, one that is uniquely yours.

Now, take a very deep breath and release it slowly.  Feel your new energy and mental clarity.

Breath in and out.  You have begun your journey.  Keep this feeling alive in your heart and mind and use it daily.

Take a few more deep breaths and slowly open our eyes.  Sit for a minute to adjust to the light and energy in the room.

You create your own energy regardless of the situation you are in physically.  Keep your energy strong and stay on your journeys path.

Stand up, shake your body loose, now, take another step towards your new life.  Life is good today.

Now go into the world and be happy and spread love and acceptance.

 

Thanks for visiting.

Written and copyrighted © by John McFadden, May 2010.