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More on The Art of Saving

Saving money is a crucial skill that everyone should master in order to secure their financial future. In a world where inflation is high and the economy is unpredictable, having a robust savings account can be a lifesaver when unexpected expenses arise. This post will complement our previous article The Art of Saving. Saving not only provides a safety net for emergencies, but it also allows individuals to achieve their long-term financial goals. In this blog post, we’ll overview the importance of saving and provide some practical tips to help you kickstart your savings journey.

Art of saving

One of the main reasons why saving is so important is its ability to buffer individuals against unforeseen events. Whether it be a sudden job loss, a medical emergency, or a global pandemic like we witnessed with COVID-19, having savings can give you the peace of mind that you can weather the storm. In times of uncertainty, having a financial cushion can make all the difference in how you navigate through tough times. Even if inflation is high, saving is not a futile effort. While it may feel like your money is losing value due to the decreasing purchasing power, saving is still crucial for handling black swan-type events. In fact, saving during times of high inflation is even more important as it helps you stay financially resilient in the face of rising costs and economic instability. By consistently saving a portion of your income, you are building a foundation for financial stability and security.

Now, let’s talk about some practical advice to help you save more effectively. One of the best ways to start saving is to create a budget and stick to it. By tracking your income and expenses, you can identify areas where you can cut back and redirect those funds towards your savings account. Additionally, setting specific savings goals can provide you with motivation and a sense of purpose for saving. Whether it’s saving for a down payment on a house, a dream vacation, or an emergency fund, having a clear goal in mind can help you stay on track. Another tip for saving is to automate your savings. Setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account can remove the temptation to spend that money elsewhere. By treating your savings like a recurring expense, you can ensure that you prioritize saving each month. Finally, consider cutting unnecessary expenses and finding ways to increase your income. Whether it’s canceling subscriptions you don’t use, cooking at home more often, or picking up a side hustle, there are plenty of ways to free up extra cash to put towards your savings goals. In conclusion, the art of saving is a valuable skill that everyone should cultivate. Even in the face of high inflation and economic uncertainty, saving money is essential for handling unexpected events and achieving long-term financial security. By following these tips and making saving a priority in your financial plan, you can build a strong financial foundation that will serve you well in the years to come. Remember, every penny saved today is an investment in your future financial well-being.

Here are more tips for saving money effectively:

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Posted on by Max Herrera

Truth

There are truths that are not for all men, nor for all times.

Voltaire

Voltaire, the renowned French writer and philosopher of the Enlightenment era, once remarked, “There are truths that are not for all men, nor for all times.” This profound statement encapsulates the idea that certain truths are not universally applicable or timeless. Instead, they are contingent upon specific contexts, perspectives, and historical moments. Voltaire’s insight refers to the nuanced nature of truth and the complexities of human understanding.

Furthermore, in a world where absolute truths are often sought after, this Voltaire’s quote invites us to think about relativism and acknowledge that truth is not always singular or fixed. Truth depends on context. Different individuals, societies, and cultures may perceive and interpret truths in distinct ways based on their unique experiences, belief systems, and cultural values, i.e., diverse perspectives enriches our understanding of the multifaceted nature of truth.

Truth, therefore, is dynamic, highly dynamic, especially across different epochs and periods in history. What may be considered true or relevant in one era may not hold the same significance or validity in another. As societies evolve, knowledge advances, and perspectives shift: truths that were once accepted may be challenged or revised. This fluidity underscores the importance of critical thinking and open-mindedness in navigating the complexities of truth. In turn, this means that truth is deeply linked to freedom.

Finally, we have to acknowledge the role of context in shaping our understanding of truth. Contextual factors such as cultural norms, political ideologies, and social dynamics can influence how truths are perceived and communicated. By taking into account the diversity of perspectives, contexts, and historical contingencies that shape our understanding of truth, we can cultivate a richer and inclusive approach to seeking knowledge and wisdom. Truth is always evolving, which highlights the importance of humility and open-mindedness in our pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

Posted on by Max Herrera

On Anxiety

Anxiety is a state of restlessness, and most of the time such state cannot be justified. It is not fear of something concrete at the outside but expresses our inner emotional conflicts. The person feels threatened by something of unreal nature, and is unable to handle such emotions. The anxious person may have been conditioned very early and may continue to be anxious in adulthood. It then becomes a characteristic of his nature that pervades all their actions and which turns the person in a candidate to suffer stress. Anxious people are fast, are always in a hurry, can not afford the time for all the activities they want to develop and are used to work on two or three things at once. When eating, anxious people swallow whole foods -tasteless- and consequently often suffer from dyspepsia, indigestion, bloating, irritable bowel, etc.

on anxiety
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Posted on by Max Herrera

10 Tips for Loving Yourself

You’re a wondrous being, a miracle called life. You’re unique. You’ve followed a path, a path which has turned you into what you’re now: energy, dreams, smiles, a lovely human being. Maybe you want more things, maybe you wish for more… that’s OK. Don’t blame the past for anything, as such past has allowed you to be here. And that past is offering you the opportunity to be better. The Beatles said it: All you need is love. And for loving, we have to start by loving ourselves. We have to love ourselves, we have to accept ourselves as we are right now: with our fears, our limitations, our physical image, our weaknesses, and our beliefs. If you do not love yourself, how may you be able to really love others? If you don’t accept yourself, if you don’t love yourself, you’ll probably end up looking in other people for such traits and features you don’t have and would like to have for being happy… but you will likely end up being hurt if that people go away. Love yourself, right now:

  1. Accept your weaknesses. They’re are part of you.
  2. Forgive yourself. All those things that you “perceive” you have done wrong… they’re past. You don’t live in the past anymore. You can only control the present time. Past & Future are just images, not reality.
  3. Express your feelings with total freedom.
  4. Don’t worry about things you cannot have control over. Instead, focus on the only things you can really control: your decisions right now.
  5. Trust your inner values and your personal resources. Don’t be afraid of losing, go ahead!
  6. Believe in your positive experiences, believe there’s an abundance in health and life for you.
  7. Don’t fight your negative thoughts or your fears… when you’re feeling negative or scared, thank your mind and your body for such thoughts and emotions, and leave them behind, you’re very positive and brilliant and have a lot of wonderful things to do.
  8. Do this exercise: write a little and happy song about those things that you fear the most. And sing it occasionally 🙂
  9. Do this other exercise: close your eyes and visualize yourself as a small child. Imagine this child laughing and running through some beautiful scenery, full of colors, full of life. Hug this child close to you. Tell him or her how much they are loved, and how special he or she is.
  10. Enjoy your body and care of it through nutrition and exercise (both physical and mental).

Life is beautiful. Enjoy it 🙂

Posted on by Max Herrera

Chiaroscuro

Self-confidence may stagger when we face up to our flaws severely and frequently. If we follow this approach in our lives, our flaws and failures will become our main source of concerns, leading to stress. We may become very good at spotting defects… so good that we may spend most of our time detecting flaws, focused into the bad things rather than the good ones. Such obsessive attention to the wrong things (flaws, manipulating or using other people, hurting other people, lying, and generally, those facts or actions that we think bad) may become the center of our lives.

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Posted on by Max Herrera

Innovation: A Path to Personal Growth

Herman Melville said: “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation“. I totally agree. Let’s try. Let’s pursue innovation and originality. Most of time, our inner fears lie in failure… the fear to fail. In itself, fear is not that bad. It reminds us of dangers and the possibility of losses, and motivates us to think our actions carefully. But fear should be controlled. Fear should not paralyze us. I’ll try that idea in which I believe. I believe in myself, in my ideas, and thereby, I’ll pursue my goals, my projects. The process of trying is, already, our first reward. Let’s enjoy it.

At the core of innovation lies the courage to challenge the status quo, to question established norms, and to push the boundaries of what is deemed possible. It is a mindset that embraces experimentation, embraces risk-taking, and embraces the unknown, recognizing that true progress is often born out of stepping beyond the confines of familiarity. When individuals embrace innovation in their lives, they open themselves up to a world of endless possibilities, where creativity flourishes and new horizons beckon.

One of the greatest obstacles to innovation is the fear of failure. Our inner fears often manifest as doubts and hesitations, whispering cautionary tales of potential setbacks and disappointments. However, it is essential to understand that failure is not the end but rather a stepping stone on the path to success. Embracing failure as a natural part of the innovation process allows individuals to learn, adapt, and grow, gaining valuable insights that pave the way for future breakthroughs.

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Posted on by Max Herrera

Building a Network of Contacts

There are plenty of available jobs in the market, and there also are a lot companies recruiting right now, but it is possible that those job openings are never advertised or published in newspapers or on the Internet. Further, important or high-rank job openings are rarely advertised. How to approach this hidden job market? Certainly, it’s not enough to investigate listings of job openings. The key is word-of-mouth or networking.

Networking means building a list of contacts. Contacts are people you’ve met during your business or social activities. More often than not, such friends and acquaintances will provide you information about job openings, companies and industry leads. Moreover, they’ll introduce you to other so that you can grow your network. Therefore, it is important not only to inform them about your job search, but also give them some rĂ©sumĂ©s.

This list will provide some hints about the people and organizations we should include in our network:

  • Relatives
  • Friends
  • Recruiters
  • Former Employers
  • Neighbors
  • Professional Organizations
  • Other Job Seekers
  • Academic Contacts (School, University)
  • Business Associations
  • Merchants

Organizing your Network of Contacts

Please, organize your network. Save information about your contacts in a spreadsheet or a database. Include their names, titles, company, address, phone and fax numbers, and email. It’s also important to register a few notes about the way in which any of your contacts is valuable, for instance, what do they know?, who can they refer you to?, and so on. Further, organize their business cards.

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Posted on by Max Herrera

A Simple Guide to Completing Your Academic Degree

Achieving an academic degree is a significant milestone that opens doors to a world of opportunities and personal growth. The journey towards completing a degree is filled with challenges, triumphs, and valuable lessons that shape your academic and professional future. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of attaining a university degree, strategies to overcome challenges, staying motivated, learning to learn effectively, writing a thesis or pursuing an internship, prioritizing relaxation and well-being, and embracing the transformative experience of university studies.

A Simple Guide to Completing Your Academic Degree

Importance of Achieving an Academic Degree
Earning an academic degree is a transformative experience that equips you with knowledge, skills, and credentials essential for career advancement and personal development. A degree not only enhances your job prospects and earning potential but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and lifelong learning habits. By completing a university degree, you demonstrate dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, setting a solid foundation for future success in your chosen field.

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Posted on by Max Herrera

What is Mindful Breathing?

In my previous post, The Transformative Power of Meditation, I touched upon Mindful breathing (also referred to as Conscious breathing). Mindful breathing is a simple yet powerful practice that can have a profound impact on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and distractions are prevalent, incorporating mindful breathing into your daily routine can help you find peace, clarity, and presence. Let’s explore the art of mindful breathing, its techniques, and the myriad benefits it offers for overall health and wellness.

What is Mindful Breathing

What is Mindful Breathing?
Mindful breathing, also known as deep breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, is a mindfulness practice that involves focusing on your breath to cultivate awareness, relaxation, and inner peace. By paying attention to the sensations of each inhale and exhale, you can anchor yourself in the present moment, quiet the mind, and reduce stress and anxiety. Mindful breathing is a fundamental aspect of mindfulness meditation and can be practiced anywhere, anytime.

Benefits of Mindful Breathing
The benefits of mindful breathing are numerous and far-reaching. By incorporating mindful breathing into your daily routine, you can reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve focus and concentration, enhance emotional regulation, and promote relaxation and calmness. Mindful breathing can also boost energy levels, increase self-awareness, and foster a sense of inner peace and well-being.

Techniques for Mindful Breathing

  1. Deep Belly Breathing: Find a comfortable seated or lying position, place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest. Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your abdomen rise as you fill your lungs with air. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall. Repeat this deep belly breathing for several breaths to promote relaxation and stress relief.
  2. Counting Breaths: Focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale, counting each breath cycle from one to five. Concentrate on the rhythm of your breathing and the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath and continue counting. This technique can help improve focus and mindfulness.
  3. Box Breathing: Box breathing is a technique that involves inhaling, holding the breath, exhaling, and holding the breath again, each for a count of four. Visualize tracing a square or box shape as you breathe, inhaling for four counts, holding for four counts, exhaling for four counts, and holding again for four counts. Repeat this box breathing pattern for several cycles to calm the mind and body.
  4. Alternate Nostril Breathing: Sit comfortably with a straight spine, using your right thumb to close your right nostril and your ring finger to close your left nostril. Inhale through your left nostril, then close it with your ring finger and exhale through your right nostril. Inhale through your right nostril, close it, and exhale through your left nostril. Continue alternating nostrils for several breaths to balance energy and enhance focus.
  5. Sama Vritti (Equal Breathing): Sama vritti is a technique that involves inhaling and exhaling for an equal count, such as inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for a count of four. Focus on creating a smooth and steady rhythm with your breath, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the practice. Sama vritti breathing can promote relaxation, balance, and harmony within the body and mind.
  6. Ocean Breath (Ujjayi Breathing): Ujjayi breathing is a technique that involves creating a soft whispering sound in the back of your throat as you breathe. Inhale deeply through your nose, slightly constricting the muscles at the back of your throat to create the sound of ocean waves. Exhale slowly through your nose, maintaining the gentle constriction. Ujjayi breathing can help calm the mind, regulate emotions, and deepen your meditation practice.
  7. 4-7-8 Breathing: The 4-7-8 breathing technique involves inhaling for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of seven, and exhaling for a count of eight. Start by exhaling completely, then inhale quietly through your nose for four counts, hold your breath for seven counts, and exhale audibly through your mouth for eight counts. Repeat this 4-7-8 breathing pattern for several cycles to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
  8. Visualization Breathing: Combine mindful breathing with visualization by imagining a peaceful scene or symbol as you inhale and exhale. Picture yourself in a serene natural setting, such as a beach, forest, or mountain, and breathe in the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. As you exhale, release any tension or negative thoughts, letting go of stress and worries. Visualization breathing can enhance relaxation, focus, and creativity.
  9. Progressive Relaxation Breathing: Progressive relaxation breathing involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in coordination with your breath. Start by inhaling deeply and tensing a specific muscle group, such as your shoulders or fists. Hold the tension for a few seconds, then exhale and release the tension, allowing the muscles to relax completely. Continue this progressive relaxation technique with different muscle groups to reduce physical tension and promote relaxation.
  10. Mindful Breathing Meditation: Set aside dedicated time for a mindful breathing meditation practice, finding a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down. Close your eyes, focus on your breath, and observe the sensations of each inhale and exhale. Allow your breath to be your anchor to the present moment, letting go of distractions and thoughts. Practice mindful breathing meditation for several minutes to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.
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