TEMPERANCE

I have the self-discipline to make better decisions. I refrain from negative distractions. I document strategically then pursue and reach my goals. I carefully nurture my character and reward myself often to stay motivated. When we practice temperance our vision becomes sharper and we become honest with ourselves, which allows us to become happier and live by our highest values. --JW

OPTIMISM

When I believe that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly, that everything is good, of which is bad and everything right, which is wrong. When I'm trusting and believing in myself as fully as possible, everything in my life reflects this by falling into place, often effortlessly. I commit to living a happy and healthier lifestyle by any means necessary or die trying. --Julie Williamson

Relationships And Cheating Does It Happen To Everybody

It's a sad reality, people cheat on their spouses. You can't hardly read a paper or watch t.v. these days without hearing about some politician or sports figure making a public apology for an affair. But can you avoid this type of relationship? Is it possible to have a relationship with no cheating, or do relationships and cheating go hand it hand?

The good news is that not everyone cheats. As a matter of fact, there are lots of people who will stay faithful to their partner for their whole life. The important thing to remember is that cheating is a choice, it's not some biological need.

Our society tends to have a double standard between men and women when it comes to sexuality, even in this modern day and age it's still there. While society tends to turn a blind eye to the indiscretions of a man and in some ways even condones that type of behavior, women are still made to feel as though they are a slut if they have multiple partners while men are referred to as studs. See, double standard is alive and well.

So if a man, or woman, tries to say they cheated because they couldn't help it, you know that is not true and there is just something wrong with that particular person. Once you realize that, you can end the relationship and move on to someone who has more respect for them self and for you and your relationship.

In many cases the warning signs will be there very early in the relationship and once they've been spotted you can save yourself an awful lot of pain by ending things right then and there. For example, if you are starting to date someone who you know cheated in their last relationship, what makes you think they won't do the same thing to you?

Many people will be very delusional at this point and convince themselves that their lover cheated in their past relationship because something was wrong in the relationship and since you are so wonderful and your relationship is so wonderful they don't need to cheat on you.

That line of thinking couldn't be more wrong. There's actually quite a bit of evidence to suggest that men are actually more prone to cheat on a wonderful loving women more quickly. Why? Simple, because on some level he thinks that she's so in love with him that he can do whatever he wants to and she will put up with it. And, unfortunately, that's often true.

People also tend to cheat because they aren't getting the feeling of love that they need. On of the best ways to greatly diminish the possibility that your lover will ever cheat on you is to pick someone who has a lot of self confidence. I don't mean a stupid, fake macho swagger which is really just a sign that that person is very insecure, but I mean someone who knows who they are and likes who they are. That type of person would be far less likely to need to have a harem of women telling him how great he is. He'd be much more likely to be content with just his wife telling him how great he is.

Just keep these tips in mind and remember that relationships and cheating do not have to go hand in hand. The best deterrent to cheating is finding the right partner.

Detox Your Body: Helpful Tips

Do you want to cleanse or detox your body?  If so, please continue reading on for some important and helpful tips.

There is a difference between a colon cleanse and a whole body cleanse or detox.  The results are similar, but they are achieved in different ways.  In most cases, you will start to see immediate results with a colon cleanse.  This means that you may be running to the bathroom.  On the other hand, a body detox isn’t always as fast, so you should be able to go about your normal day.

To successfully remove toxins from your body, you need to stop putting them in. That is why all should stop drinking coffee or soda, even just temporarily.  Unfortunately, many of us have become dependent on the caffeine.  If this is the case, start weaning yourself off it.  This is important if you drink a lot of soda or coffee, as you may notice withdrawal symptoms when you first start your detox.  In the days leading up to your cleanse, slowly reduce your caffeine intake.

A popular way to detox or cleanse the body is to fast on water.  During this time, you will not consume other liquids or solid foods.  Water helps to expel toxins from your body, but the lack of solid foods also enables your body to rest and cleanse more.  Although water fasting is an ideal way to detox the body, there are some risks involved.  Extended fasts can lead to malnutrition.  Always listen to your body.

Whether you opt for a water fast or a juice fast, it is important to proceed with caution.  At the end of your fast, you may be craving a lot of food, but take it slow.  Your body may have spent three to seven days without any food.  It needs time to readjust.  For that reason, start out small and consume easy to sallow and digest foods, like soup or applesauce.

Organic food is a great way to detox your body.  It is ideal for those who need to eat or those who are overweight.  Whether you have a medical condition or have become dependent on food, you may find it unbearable to go without in a water or juice fast.  Instead of suffering or giving up halfway through the detox, choose a better option.  Just switch to organic, all-natural foods.

To find all-natural, organic foods, visit specialty food stores.  Your grocery store may have a section, but it may be small and you may find high prices.  Visit the online websites of organic food manufacturers to find money-saving coupons.  Organic food can be ordered online.  Although you will have to pay for shipping, you may find the best selection.

Water should be your best friend during a cleanse or detox.  The more water you consume, the less hungry you feel and the more toxins will be expelled. On that same note, do not overdo it on the water.  Too much water can lead to serious health complications, including death.  On average, eight 8-ounce glasses of water is recommended.  Depending on your weight, how much you sweat, and how much you exercise, you can safely consume more.

If you opt for a detox product, like detox food patches or pills, read all directions.  This is not only for your safety, but for success.  Some require more than just taking a few pills; you may still need to modify your diet.  Your chances of successfully eliminating toxins from your body increases when you follow all product directions.

Finally, don’t return to your normal eating habits.  Regardless of how you detoxed your body, you now have a cleaner one.  Right away, you should notice many benefits.  These benefits may include weight loss, more energy, and better skin.  Unfortunately, if you return back to your normal eating habits, these “good feelings,” will soon disappear.  Now is the perfect time to reduce your calorie intake, eat healthier foods, or make the switch to organic.

8 Dating Tips for Black Women

If you're getting ready for a date, these 8 dating tips for black women can help you make a good impression and keep him interested (if you want him to be).

1. Pay attention to how much perfume you wear. He's probably going to wear cologne and may overdo it a bit himself. And when people are nervous or want to make a really good impression they often overdo it with that. So go lighter rather than heavier with your favorite perfume.

2. Don't wear your highest heels. Unless you know that you're only going to the fanciest restaurant and not going to be doing very much walking, leave your biggest shoes at home. He might have planned a long walk somewhere and if you're wearing stilettos that can be uncomfortable.

3. If this is a first date, try to tone everything down a little bit. Black women sometimes go for the big impression right away, when that's not always the best thing to do. Wear an easy hairstyle that's not too complicated and comfortable clothes that look nice, without going as fancy as possible unless you know the situation really calls for it.

4. Don't leave it up to him to come up with every topic of conversation. Avoid things like religion and politics, but do bring up things like the last movie you saw or the kind of hobbies you enjoy.

5. Bringing up current events is also a good conversation starter. Before you go on the date for at least a couple of days make a point of watching the news and being aware of what's going on, if that's something you're not already doing. That should give you both plenty to talk about.

6. Don't be too hard on your date. But do notice the little things. Maybe he hasn't had a manicure lately and his shoes aren't brand-new, but try to be a bit forgiving if everything isn't absolutely perfect.

7. Remember that he's nervous, too. In fact, he may be much more nervous than you are. A lot has to do with how often he dates and how often you date. It may have taken him a while to build up the courage to even ask you out. So he's terribly worried about making a good impression. Bear that in mind and it can make you feel a little bit less nervous.

8. Pay him a compliment. This is something that black women should remember because men love to be complimented. If you like his shirt, say so. If you like the cologne he's wearing, mention it. Any sign of approval from you will set him at ease and make him a little bit less nervous because he'll be very pleased that you like something about him. That will make the date go much, much better because he'll feel a little bit more confident. Then you can both concentrate on just having a good time.

Remember these dating tips for black women, and have a great time on your date.

5 Dating Tips for Men

These free dating tips for men can help you out next time you want to impress a special someone. But don't forget that you shouldn't follow some set of rules at the expense of having a good time. You want to be able to enjoy yourself without being too worried about specifics.

The first free dating tip for men is to look your best when you ask her out. Yes, it's important to look great when you go on your date, but when you ask her for this date she's going to notice certain things, too.

Women notice hands and feet. So make sure your shoes are reasonably clean and that your nails and hands are well groomed. You don't have to have a professional manicure, but just make sure your nails are trimmed neatly and are clean.

Likewise, you don't have to wear brand-new shoes to ask her on a date. But make sure the ones you're wearing are clean and tidy looking. Those tennis shoes grass stained tennis shoes might not be the best choice for asking her on a date.

The second important free dating tip for men is to check your breath both before you ask her out and before you go on your date. Make sure it smells fresh. Not only will you want fresh breath if you go to give her a goodnight kiss, but you plan on having some conversation, don't you?

And here's a third free dating tip for men that can help things go much smoother on your date. Plan a few things to talk about. Don't just go thinking you'll come up with something.

Before you go on the date, think about the latest movies you've seen and the latest books you've read. Just sort of refresh your memory about them so you'll have something to talk about. If you're not up on current events, watch the news for a few days before you go on this date.

You will want to avoid things like religion and politics, and the usual topics of conversation that are best to avoid when you're around new people. But current events are usually easy topics of conversation for almost everyone.

A fourth free dating tip for men is to pay her a compliment at least once on the date. Compliment her more if it seems natural to do so. The problem is you're going to be nervous, and you may forget to compliment her perfume or her dress.

So make a point of finding something you like and mentioning it. The earlier in the day you do this, the better it will probably go. She's going to be nervous also, so if you complement her she'll be pleased that you like something about her.

The fifth of these free dating tips for men is to not think of it as a make it or break a date. Just try to make sure you both have a good time and your chances for a second date will go up.

3 Tips and More on How To Know Mr. Right

We all know that no one is perfect.  So when you are one your search for Mr. Right, you can't expect someone who is perfect, but you can expect someone who is perfect...for you.  Do yourself a favor before you start your search, take some time on you.  Make sure you are a secure confidant woman who knows who she is and what she wants (though I don't mean an inflexible ice queen).  Once you're at that place you will find that you will attract an awful lot of great guys since 'like attracts like'.  Once you've met someone, here are some tips to follow to determine how to know Mr Right.

1. What types of qualities are important to you?  Is honesty, humor, sensitivity, etc. what you'd want in a mate?  First you need to know what traits you would want in a man. That may sound obvious, but most people don't take the time to think about that.  Don't expect your Mr. Right to have all of these traits, but as long as he has most of them to some degree that is a good sign that you've found someone you could be happy with for the long term.

2. One trait that probably wasn't on your Mr. Right wish list was manipulative.  If your new guy tries to control you, and you have to  be careful since it can sometimes be very subtle, then my guess would be you wouldn't be happy with someone like that for the rest of your life.

3. Most women think of Mr. Right as someone they would want to marry and start a family with.  You don't want to rush it, but at some point early in the relationship there is nothing wrong with asking  him what he wants in his future.  When you ask that question don't make it about you or your relationship, but make it more generic.  For example, you could  casually ask if he thinks he'll have kids some day.  That's not an unreasonable question to ask, though you should probably wait until you've dated a few times first. 

A Mr. Right type of guy would probably answer that question with something like: " Sure, some day I'd love to get married and have kids", or something to that effect. 

If a guy gets overly sensitive or defensive to that simple question than more than likely he really isn't looking for that type of relationship with you and you might want to consider looking elsewhere.

Just remember that finding Mr. Right doesn't have to happen on some time frame, it will probably happen when you least expect it. But do yourself a favor, make sure you keep your eyes open and that you see what is really there and not just what you want to be there.  To often women will settle for Mr. Wrong because they pretended he was Mr. Right.  Follow this advice and you will know how to know Mr Right when you meet him!

CLARITY

I have clarity of perception and objectives. My inner consciousness points me in ways that compliments my life and brings me great happiness. As I breathe in, I unite with all that is sound and complete. Within the core of this uncertain life, I am balanced. As I exhale, I can now see the good in everyone and all things.

--Julie Williamson

Confession of a slightly Neurotic Fat Gurl: SUBMISSION...ITS NOT A DIRTY WORD

Confession of a slightly Neurotic Fat Gurl: SUBMISSION...ITS NOT A DIRTY WORD: Struggle is Ordained...I have heard that for the better part of my life, and am now just determining what i choose to struggle about!!! Some...

Natural Journey: The Forever Long Transition: Bag Lady

Natural Journey: The Forever Long Transition: Bag Lady: Erykah Badu soulfully sang " Bag Lady, you gon' hurt your back dragging all those bags like that. I guess nobody ever told you, all...

Coming Soon: Detox Your Body

When choosing a detox diet plan, it is important to remember the goal of detoxification. That goal is to expel and rid the body of potentially harmful toxins.  Even if you do not consume alcohol or use drugs, it is possible for these toxins and chemicals to make their way into our bodies.  In fact, recent studies have shown that there is a lot more than fluoride in some of our drinking waters.

Look for this eBook coming soon on Amazon.com!

Book Released: Finding the Right Partner

If you're alone and lonely or struggling with a relationship, this could be the most important book you read all year...

You're a human being - and that means you need love and companionship. Even if you're so successful that you literally have unneeded hundred dollar bills falling out of your pockets, if you don't have a functional relationship, you won't be happy.

But no one needs to tell you this. Whether you're in a dysfunctional relationship or whether you badly want to be in relationship, you FEEL this problem - you FEEL the absence of a functional, loving relationship...

 

You're Completely Alone!

And no matter what anyone else tells you, you know you're not better off for it. You want a loving partner, who not only makes you happy, but IMPROVES you...

Yes, a partner who IMPROVES you...

• He/She can point out things about YOU that YOU don't notice. You can do the same for him/her.
• He/She can soften the impact of HUGE emotional shocks to your life by being there when you need someone.
•  He/She will love you always, regardless of what you do or say.
• He/She will make you feel confident, so that you can take on any challenge...
• And most importantly, she will make you stable. No more hunting around for someone to date casually.

This eBook contains essential information on finding the perfect person for you and ensuring that you build a healthy, lasting relationship.

After you're done reading you will be able to:

• Approach the opposite sex with confidence.
• Find out what you actually want in relationships.
• Realistically figure out how others view you.
• Talk to the opposite sex confidently.
• Kill your bad habits.
• and more! 

 PURCHASE NOW AT http://books.returntoclarity.com!
 

Book Released: Creating Your Life Plan

I was experiencing slight depression and feeling stuck in my life. I had to disconnect and BE STILL for while to examine, re-discover and re-energize my life. In the midst I was able to finally finish a book I've been writing for the past 6+ years. At times I didn't think I was worthy enough to even be writing on the subject matter but these past few months gave me new hope. When it finally appeared on amazon I could feel the noose of life around my neck literally loosen its grips. Read a sample at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQ4M8S6.

Download it, read it, then tell me what you think. Please leave a review on amazon and recommend to family, friends and anyone else if you believe it has helped you and can help others.

Also available at: http://books.returntoclarity.com
 

The It Works Body Wrap Applicator

Return to Clarity Reflexology and Massage now offers It Works! Body Wraps to detox, tighten skin, reduce cellulite and assist with weight loss.

Do you want to cleanse or detox your body, but are you concerned with your ability to fast on water or juice?  If so, you may be looking for an easier approach.  One step you could take is to undergo a body wrap at a local spa or at home with the It Works Ultimate Body Applicator. But what are the pros and cons of doing so?

The Pros at the Spa

It is easy to apply an It Works Body Applicator/Wrap.  Before undergoing treatment, you will want to avoid skincare products, such as lotions.  After arriving for your appointment, the wrap will be applied.  Your spa may suggest you bring and wear lose clothing to cover the wraps.  Sessions can last between 45 minutes to 1 hour.  You will simply choose to add on another service such as massage or reflexology or just wait for your session to expire; it doesn’t get much easier than that!

With the It Works Body Applicator you can see immediate results such as tighter, smoother skin, reduction of cellulite and even inch loss. The It Works Wrap penetrates the skin to attack fat cells. Following the wrap, prevent your weight from immediately returning with a healthy diet, exercise and continued usage. Make sure to drink plenty of water prior to and after the It Works Wrap because in addition, toxins are removed; therefore, there may be some long-term weight loss.
Expect “ultimate” results with these amazing 45-minute It Works Body Wraps. The It Works Body wraps are a non-woven cloth wrap that has been infused with a powerful, botanically-based formula to deliver maximum tightening, toning, and firming results where applied to the skin.

• Tightens, tones, & firms
• Minimizes cellulite appearance
• Improves skin texture & tightness
• Mess-free and simple to use
• Results in as little as 45 minutes
• Progressive results over 72 hours
• Made with natural ingredients, CLICK HERE to view ingredients

Includes 4 Applicators.
Directions: Apply one Applicator to one area of your choice (such as the abdomen, back, sides, legs, arms, or buttocks) and leave on for 45 minutes. Remove and discard. You may repeat after 72 hours

And as a loyal customer you don't even have to continue with trips to the spa. Yes, the wraps can be purchased online, and can be easily applied in the comfort of your own home.  If you do prefer a spa visit why not take the break and consider other treatments while you are there.  Facials, reflexology, and massages are other popular treatments offered.

The Cons

Wraps often require multiple treatments.  Following your first wrap, you will notice an improvement in your skin and your overall health; however, multiple treatments are recommended.  On average, I recommend four body wrap sessions.  Although multiple sessions are not required, they will maximize your results.

As you can see, there are a number of pros and cons to undergoing a body wrap to detox.  Despite the costs and multiple treatments, most find this an easy and safe way to cleanse and detoxify the body.

Take the 90-Day Challenge

Become an It Works Loyal Customer for just $59 per month. You will receive a box of wraps (4 in a box) for minimum 90 days. During these 90 days we encourage you to:

1. Wrap weekly
2. Maintain a healthy diet
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Juice in place of meals (if possible)
5. Exercise regularly (even if once per week) 

For more information, please feel free to contact me at returntoclarity@gmail.com or CLICK HERE to visit our website.

Simple Ways to Become an It Works Distributor

Re-Posted from: The It Works Way

Steps to Success was a thought that came to me one day while I was out walking.  I wanted a simple way to teach the compensation plan. The first time you look at our compensation plan, it can be intimidating or confusing. I have found, that once you are actually doing it and promoting to higher positions, it all starts to come together and make sense.  When your getting started with It Works, your goal is NOT to study the compensation plan, but to unlock the money.  You unlock the money by following the Steps to Success! Everyone wants to know what the leaders are doing to earn that “big money”. Well, here's the secret: they are teaching Steps to Success.  They are launching everyone’s business in their first 7 to 10 days with a Wrap Party and duplicating these steps with each new Distributor that comes on board.  So, let’s take a look at this simple system:
  

Step 1:  Purchase the Distributor Kit.  

This is a simple step but one that you should take very seriously.  You purchased a Distributor Kit.  You paid money from your bank account for a home based business.  It is commitment time.  You signed up for a year minimum.  Learn how to work this business just like you learned your past jobs, having children, marriage, a new sport, etc.  I have been in this industry since 1994 and I still read books about network marketing, attend training seminars, and learn from all of you every day.  This business can change your life.  Your belief level grows as you grow.


Step 2: Autoship. 

Your commitment to running your Autoship every month, is your commitment to run your business, be a product of the products, and to keep your business commission qualified.  Each month It Works pays you commission based on the volume of your loyal customers, and your distributors, and their distributors, and loyal customers, and on and on!  The most effective way to stay commission qualified is to purchase at least $80BV per month in products.  You will also see in the compensation plan that you can stay commission qualified with a $150 PGV.  This is the volume of what your customers purchase along with any products that you purchase.  However, I have known customers to opt out on the last day of the month, or credit cards will expire, and then your commission check is gone! This is too risky, so I always recommend that you commit to the $80 autoship.  


Step 3: Gather 4 Loyal Customers within your first 30 days and earn $100 in free product.In order to be Fast Start qualified you will need to complete Step 2 with the $80BV autoship and personally enroll 2 Loyal Customers within 30 days.  This will qualify you to earn $100 in Fast Start bonuses for each new distributor that you personally sponsor who also participates in the $80 autoship and personally enrolls 2 Loyal Customers within their first 30 days.  Do you see how everyone is doing the same thing?  It is really that simple.  Enroll 2 more loyal customers within your first 30 days and you will receive $100 in free product! (Keep in mind, these customers need to be outside of your household. They cannot have the same address as you.) For every 2 Loyal Customers that you enroll, you will earn Wrap Reward points which will give you the option of purchasing a box of Ultimate Body Applicators or Facial Applicators for $19.95 plus tax, shipping is included! 


Step 4.  Build to Executive. 

You know how it is with some companies,  they want you to sponsor 5 people, who then need to sponsor five more people and then you will be “Starship Commander” and earn a million dollars! This is intimidating and unrealistic.  You really want to keep this business as simple as possible. Tell your team to focus on building to Executive by sponsoring 2 Distributors who complete the Steps to Success. Do this yourself and duplicate this with everyone that you bring in. Once you have reached Executive, focus on going to the next step, Ruby. Keeping the business simple is one of the most critical components of this industry.  So, let’s build to Executive!


Two Distributors who complete these Steps to Success puts you at Executive.  This is duplicating with a system in place that works. Follow it. The biggest mistake people make in this industry is over thinking the compensation plan, causing them to stall before anything can even get accomplished. Follow Steps to Success, teach it, and your business will take you wherever you want it to go.

Have fun keeping it simple.