by Regan Bervar | Mar 18, 2022 | Feature Story Bottom Left
Is Important In An Increasingly Critical Society
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
by Luke Schmaltz
The way you carry yourself as you go about your daily business has a lot to do with how people react to your presence.
Your physical posture, the way you walk, the expression on your face, and other nuances of body language send out a message. In the instance of a confident person, you exude strength and internally fortified will. To the contrary, if you entertain unhealthy amounts of self-doubt — it will show in your demeanor — and therein lies the problem.
Self-confidence and lack thereof is the result of internal transactions. Confidence is informed by “what you say when you talk to yourself” — a reference to the wildly successful work of author Shad Helmstetter. The notions of high and low self-esteem are reinforced by how you react to everyday events — whether you are a participant or a spectator. Rarely do people remain stagnant in the face of the constant comparisons, deprecations, and self-criticisms that are all the rage today — especially among young folks. You either buckle under social pressure and give in to low self-esteem or you make a conscious decision to fight it.
An Internal Struggle
Positive or negative self-image can be determined by what you say when you talk to yourself.
In today’s viscously hypercritical society, many people are subjugated by the strictures of an unachievable ideal. Yet others, far fewer in number, learn to steel themselves against the judgements of the status quo. The former is the path of a person who is constantly afflicted by feelings of inadequacy. The latter is a way to create a unique identity by pursuing a set of personal aspirations rather than measuring yourself by the yardstick of others.
The question, then, is how to avoid one while embracing the other. Thankfully, there are several ways to gradually build and maintain confidence and self-esteem without becoming an insufferable, overblown egomaniac. Meanwhile, this pursuit can help you insulate yourself against the quagmire of cultivating a lousy self-image.
Exercise Often
Self-esteem can be bolstered by positive daily habits including rigorous exercise, healthy diet, and sufficient sleep.
While doing a few pushups here and some jumping jacks there is a good start, maximizing this step requires a more comprehensive approach. By engaging in some form of physical exertion at least three times a week for 20 or 30 minutes, you are training your body to release endorphins which induce positive feeling while reducing your brain’s perception of pain. The best way to start is to pick a type of exercise you genuinely enjoy, and which suits your abilities, such as walking, running, swimming, or yoga. If you are new to the world of working out and you decide to become a bodybuilder overnight, you will wind up mired in unrealistic expectations, disappointment, and potentially plummeting self-esteem.
Eat Real Food
Refined carbohydrates such as processed flour and rice, sugar-sweetened juices and sodas, and processed snacks such as corn chips, cookies, and pastries can cause inflammation and hormonal imbalances due to high levels of sugar and indigestible compounds disguised as food. Conversely, raw fruits and vegetables, sprouts, leafy greens, lean meats such as chicken and fish, as well as water from a spring or a reverse osmosis filter are all easily absorbed by the body. A diet of these foods will help you to feel better after eating and more inclined to exercise whereas a diet of junk which your body cannot process will leave you feeling tired and unmotivated which can, in turn, lead to negative internal dialogue.
Get Plenty Of Sleep
Self-worth can be successfully maintained by evaluating oneself from within rather than comparing oneself to others.
Optimism and self-esteem begin with a good night’s sleep. A recent report by Harvard University’s Dr. Lawrence J. Epstein states that, “Sleep and mood are closely connected; poor or inadequate sleep can cause irritability and stress, while healthy sleep can enhance well-being.” Epstein goes on to explain, “It’s possible to eliminate many minor sleep problems by creating a comfortable sleep environment, maintaining a healthful balance of nutrition and exercise, and engaging in relaxing activities near bedtime.”
Go Easy On Yourself
When you make a mistake, and everyone does, resist the urge to punish yourself with a bunch of negative internal scolding. Whatever setback you may have encountered is enough of a reminder without willingly inflicting further damage to your self-confidence. That is not to say that denying anything went wrong is a smart course of action but having a bit of compassion for your own grazed ego can help you get back to work and put things you can’t change behind you.
Face Them Down
Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a terrific way to build self-esteem and confidence. The simple act of facing your fears, whether you succeed or not, is an effective way of building yourself up internally based on your own perceived limitations. Granted, jumping out of a helicopter without a parachute is a legitimate fear and is a practice best left to movie stuntmen. Yet, exposing yourself to non-lethal fears such as public speaking, swimming in a shallow, supervised pool, or petting a trained, tame dog can do wonders for your anxiety levels. Small victories over irrational fears can build up your self-confidence and eventually lead you to experience huge breakthroughs.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 18, 2022 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Spa: The spa features Hydrotherapy in an area that resembles a cenote. The one-hour treatment features a sauna, steam room, and jetted pools to relax in.
Paradise: Dreams Natura Resort & Spa is a 553-room resort and a short 10-mile drive from the Cancun International Airport.
Dreams Natura Resort & Spa is a new resort which had the unfortunate timing of scheduling to open just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. After being closed for months, and then shifting to limited capacity, the resort is open to tourists at full capacity.
Dreams Natura, part of the AMR Collection, which also owns Secrets and Breathless Resorts, is located in Puerto Morelos, a 20-minute ride from the Cancun Airport. The resort prides itself on great service, beautiful landscaping, views, and activities throughout the day and night keeping the entire family engaged. “This resort has some of the best staff I have ever encountered at a resort,” said one guest. “They really enhance the experience by going above and beyond and always being friendly and accommodating.”
The 553 rooms are spacious and come stocked with free minibars, TVs with satellite channels, whirlpool tubs, and furnished terraces. Expect lots of open-air spaces, and a wristband-free all-inclusive program with good food and several places to eat or grab a drink without reservations. “Staying At Dreams Natura was so fun!,” said 10-year-old Ellie Smiley (this author’s daughter). “My favorite part of Dreams Natura was probably the activities and food. The days I was there I really enjoyed. They have such nice workers and the resort itself is so nice, I would definitely recommend.”
Infinity Pool: The main pool is where most of the action happens during the day. The entertainment team orchestrates activities and staff is on hand to keep the drinks flowing.
While the resort offers a beautiful place to have a wedding, relaxation with the family at their infinity pool, time on the beach, three water slides, or the on-property roll glider, the crown jewel of this resort is the spa. “The spa area is so nice and I loved how they designed it to be like a cenote,” said another guest. “The hydrotherapy circuit was such a special treat and I would highly recommend adding this to your treatments.”
The hydrotherapy experience begins with the sauna, moves to the vapor steam room, and then to the pools, the first of which has jets to relax the body, and then the last two being the hot tub and a colder pool to soak in. The entire treatment lasts one hour and leaves the guest refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
While visiting the Riviera Maya, consider a catamaran sailing trip to Isla Mujeres. Cancun Sailing offers four different packages to choose from, all of which include a friendly staff that guides you through the process which may include snorkeling, shopping, drinks on board, and lunch. Cancun Sailing is one of the only companies, now 13 years old, to include docking fees in the price paid up front. They also have packages that include transportation from Dreams Natura. Visit www.cancun sailing.com for more information.
Southwest, Frontier, and United Airlines offer nonstop service from Denver International Airport to Cancun International Airport which takes less than four hours. With an additional 20-minute ride from the airport, it makes the travel a breeze. Once you are greeted at Dreams Natura resort with a cold beverage and towel and walk through the immaculate grounds, you are on vacation and have entered your home away from home.
For more information, visit www.amrcollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/dreams/mexico/natura-resort-spa, follow them on twitter @DreamsResorts or on Facebook at @DreamsNaturaResort.
by Glendale Sports Center | Mar 18, 2022 | Glendale City News
by Jenna Glover, PhD, Child And Adolescent Clinical Psychologist At Children’s Hospital Colorado
Children are constantly surrounded by media and technology — from TV and cell phones, to tablets, computers, and video games. Technology and media are very much intertwined with our daily lives — so much that it can be difficult to find a balance between the real world and the digital one.
That’s why it’s important for families to balance their use of media and technology with daily family responsibilities and other important healthy activities. Too much technology use can keep children from getting the study time, face-to-face communication, hands-on play, physical activity, and sleep they need.
However, technology can be used to promote physical activity, educate kids and reinforce important skills. Because technology is so deeply ingrained into a modern child’s life, using these same innovative tools to motivate and educate can be more impactful.
Be a good role model by limiting your own media use. This will also help you be more available for your children to interact and communicate with them.
For children under 2 years of age, play and interact with your child. Avoid screen time except for video chatting with family and friends.
For older children, take an active role in your child’s use of media by watching programs with them and taking time to discuss the program and your family’s values. Choose media that is educational and teaches good values. Be firm about only allowing your child to use and watch media that is appropriate for their age.
Other great things to keep in mind are: Keep computers in a public part of your home so you can check on what your kids are doing online and keep them safe; create tech-free zones in your home; do not allow screens in kids’ bedrooms; and turn off the TV and put cell phones away during mealtimes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a family media plan that helps families balance important daily activities with media use. Families can use it to prioritize time for homework, exercise, sleep, face-to-face communication, family time, and downtime within their daily routine. Time for media use is then incorporated into the day in a way that does not displace other important daily activities.
To learn more about kids and mental health from Children’s Hospital Colorado experts, sign up for a session hosted during Flex Your Family Fun in April at the YMCA of Metro Denver. To learn more, visit https: //www.denverymca.org/programs/youth-programs/flex-your-family-fun.
Adapted from the Children and Technology article that originally was published by Children’s Hospital Colorado.
www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles /children-technology-guidelines
by Charles Bonniwell | Mar 18, 2022 | Editorials
The Harlem Globetrotters were just in town for a game against the Washington Generals entertaining and delighting thousands of men, women, and children. The Globetrotters won the game, something which they have been doing for 60 years. In fact, they have played the Generals close to 20,000 times and have lost on only three occasions with the last Generals victory coming in 1971. That fact has not impinged on the fun everyone has.
Why not implement a Harlem Globetrotter system for election contests in Colorado? Ever since the Democrats implemented the “Blueprint Colorado” program 20 years ago, they have through legislation or ballot initiatives manipulated the Colorado electoral process so they almost can’t lose on a statewide level. It appears (absent WWIII with Russia) a Republican red wave will be sweeping the country in 2022, at a scale not matched since the mid-terms of 1866.
If the Colorado Republicans cannot take back a single statewide office or the State Senate or House in the upcoming 2022 elections, it will prove that the Dems have controlled the system so they will never lose. So why not adopt the old Soviet system where there is only one candidate to vote for on Election Day? It could be followed by a big celebration with music, dancing, and increased rations for all. The Republicans in Colorado won’t mind, as they have let the Democrats turn the state blue without a pip of protest.
Take for example the statewide race this year for secretary of state. The present Secretary of State, Democrat Jena Griswold, is acknowledged by all as an autocratic, partisan hack who must check in with Planned Parenthood for responses to inquiries from the press. When Republican Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters took images of the Dominion voting machine for an audit of the 2020 election before it was to be wiped clean for an “update” by Dominion, Griswold had her indicted with the help of the FBI, Democrat Attorney General Phil Weiser, and Republican Mesa County District Attorney Daniel Rubinstein. Griswold then had her replaced by the former Secretary of State Wayne Willi
ams who is a Republican establishment hack.
Of course, taking images of the voting machine is not a crime so they had to come up with a bizarre 10 count indictment which apparently claims it is illegal to call the Secretary of State’s office to ask for help on election matters. Luckily, such legal jujitsu will not be needed next time a county clerk has the temerity to challenge the Secretary of State. Griswold had State Senate President Steve Fenberg introduce Senate Bill 22-153 which is rushing through the state legislature at a breakneck speed.
The bill will, inter alia, make it illegal to make images of voting machines, stop lots of classes of people running for election positions, and make it a crime for a local election official to make “knowingly false” statements about election matters. Who gets to decide in the first place if it is knowingly false? That, of course, will be your lovely government. That particularly hideous violation of the First Amendment does not apply, of course, to the Secretary of State herself.
Your remedy is at the ballot box, right? While the State Republican Party, the Denver County Republicans, and Tina Peters howled about these unconstitutional provisions, the one Republican who did not was the leading Republican candidate for the Secretary of State position Pam Anderson, who declared: “I don’t have a problem with the bill as a whole ….”
What kind of Republican is Pam Anderson? Well, the right kind, that is a Republican working to get Democrats elected. Until she took a “leave of absence” she was a Director for the Center for Technology and Civic Life. That is the Zuckerberg funded ($350 Million) organization which has been accused of bribing officials in various states including Wisconsin, Georgia, and Arizona to get Democrat Joe Biden elected President.
The only other person in the race who could possibly win, Tina Peters, was stabbed in the back by the Chairwoman of the Republican Party Kristi Burton Brown. After the partisan indictment of Peters, she sent a press release demanding that Peters withdraw from the race. The Bylaws of the Republican Party require strict neutrality by the Chair in any Republican Party primary but apparently that does apply to this Secretary of State race.
Your likely candidates for the Secretary of State race will be Jena Griswold, a Democrat, and Pam Anderson, a Republican who cheats to get Democrats elected. Why bother with an election at all? Just flip a coin and have only one candidate run. Better yet, revise SB 22-153 so that the Democrat Governor, in consultation with the Democrat Attorney General and Democrat Secretary of State, picks the one and only candidate for all elected positions in the state. Then change “Election Day” to “Soviet Celebration Day” and take the tens of millions of dollars that would have otherwise been spent on rigged elections for the greatest statewide party ever. Yes, go Globetrotters!
— Editorial Board
