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    <title>Infinite Allure Wellness Blog</title>
    <link>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com</link>
    <description>This blog will explore my thoughts, opinions, and experiences regarding all of the topics I believe contribute to one's overall well-being.</description>
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      <title>Infinite Allure Wellness Blog</title>
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      <title>Black and White Symbolism</title>
      <link>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/black-and-white-symbolism</link>
      <description>Have you ever thought about the everyday sayings we use and where they come from? One day, I started to pay attention to sayings we use, like “white magic” versus “black magic," etc.</description>
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           Why is the Term or “Color” Black Often Associated with Negativity?
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           Have you ever thought about the everyday sayings we use and where they come from? One day, I started to pay attention to sayings we use, like “white lie” or “white magic” versus “black magic," etc. How come all of the sayings or names of things that include the colors black or white are considered good or innocent, and the ones that contain the color black usually signify bad, evil, or negative? Like, c’mon! So, I consulted my trusty AI friend, Chat GPT, and I had some questions! Because enlighten me! I want this to stop YESTERDAY!
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           SO, WHERE DID THESE PHRASES ORIGINATE FROM?
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           Associating black with negative connotations and white with positive ones is deeply rooted in historical and cultural context, with really nothing to back it up besides conditioning and historical events. When we talk about cultural and historical context, in many cultures, especially Western societies and even many religious texts, blackness or darkness is often correlated to evil, ignorance, negativity, or chaos. Lightness is often associated with goodness, purity, positivity, and divine presence. I've always noticed and wondered about this. I felt this. When I finally paid attention to all the negative that was related to black, I was offended, and I said, “Wait, hold up!” I immediately wanted to know why and take certain phrases out of my vocabulary. I’m constantly asking myself and looking to find the origin and meaning of everything now.
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           In regard to language and idioms, there are endless ones! I will not discuss them all, but a few examples that jump out to me are white magic, black magic, white lies, black market, dark web, white hat, black sheep, blacklist, blackball, black hole, Black Monday, White Christmas, and White Knight, to name a few. I am only going to discuss a few for the sake of this blog.
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            ﻿
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           WHITE MAGIC VS. BLACK MAGIC
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           White magic is considered the benevolent or positive use of supernatural powers or magic. If you are a practitioner of white magic, you typically use the powers to bring about positive outcomes, protect, and heal by drawing on natural energies and forces. Some examples of these white magic practices include love spells and casting other spells for health, protection, and rituals to draw in harmony and peace. The key to the definition of white magic is that it should be aligned with ethical practices and principles that contribute to the greater good. The definition of black magic, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. It is simply associated with harmful or malevolent intentions. The practices that are often used to carry out these harmful intentions are spells, curses, and other rituals that are used to control others, manipulate them, and cause harm. These practices can result in pain, misfortune, death, and many other things and may be done due to greed, power, or revenge. All in all, black magic is classified as unethical practices that violate natural laws and involve occult or dark practices. Do y’all see the differences? Why can’t it just be called magic that is either simply good or bad? Negative or positive? The addition of the colors feels intentionally damaging.
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           WHITE LIE
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           A white lie is considered to be a trivial or harmless lie that is told. It is said to supposedly prevent minor issues or avoid hurting someone’s feelings. It is considered to be socially acceptable because it is supposed to be benign, in an attempt to be kind or polite, and not to be harmful or deceptive. It sounds like a bunch of bull crap to me because even a white lie is going to piss me off every time. Telling these little lies in an attempt not to make someone feel bad about something is what I consider to be harmful in the long run and still very much considered a lie in my book. Instead of calling it a white lie, let’s call it what it is: a LIE.
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           BLACK MONDAY
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           I have heard of Black Monday before but didn’t know exactly what it was until I looked into it today. According to Google, Black Monday is an event that occurred on October 19, 1987.
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           where there was a stock market crash, and the Dow Jones fell 508 points, or 22.6%, in a single day. It is the largest decline in one day in history. There is a whole bunch of other stuff regarding that, but I won’t get into it. Another quick thing I stumbled upon was about a massacre in Dublin in 1209, a battle in 1360, and an uprising in Ireland in 1689. All these things are tragic and negative, and it seems as though slapping the word black on it sums up the narrative. That is problematic.
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           EVERYDAY LANGUAGE
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           Many of these idioms are used in our everyday language without even thinking about their meanings or indications. However, these phrases have certainly evolved over time.
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           Many people of African descent, especially in the United States, experience prejudice and discrimination because of the color of their skin. This has, unfortunately, opened the doors for social inequality and racism. The symbolism extends to social structures and racial dynamics. Further, this has reinforced the association of blackness with negative stereotypes, inferiority, and negativity!
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           IMPACT ON PERCEPTION
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           The impact on perception is major! The use of certain languages and cultures and their associations is pervasive to the point that it subtly influences how people perceive groups and individuals—black people in this case. Real-world interactions and opportunities are affected by stereotypes and unconscious biases. It is so scary that many people do not even realize how impactful the way we speak is on our mindsets.
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           WHAT CAN WE AS PEOPLE DO, IF POSSIBLE?
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           Change perceptions! As time has passed, awareness of these perceptions has slightly begun to shift, and efforts are being made to challenge these stereotypes and promote equality and inclusivity. The only thing about that is that in order to do this, we must also include extensive and ongoing structural changes, education, and awareness in order to dismantle the deeply ingrained cultural associations. Spread awareness, do your part, and let’s dismantle this stuff!
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                -J
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      <pubDate>Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:00:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/black-and-white-symbolism</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">stereotypes,inclusivity,blog on equality,challenging stereotypes,racial inequality,language and society,black and white symbolism,historical context,podcast on equality,idiomatic expressions,cultural roots</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Date Yourself!</title>
      <link>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/date-yourself</link>
      <description>Considered the idea of "dating yourself"? Single or in a relationship, it's important to prioritize self-love and self-care by treating yourself with the same attention you'd give a partner.</description>
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           A Guide to Romanticizing Being Solo
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           Have you ever heard of the term ‘date yourself’? If you haven’t, let me introduce you to it! Many times, when we think about dating, we are only thinking about our love lives and dating other people. What happens if you’re single? Shouldn’t you still date yourself? Even if you’re in a committed relationship or married, you should still date yourself, and by date yourself, I mean LOVE YOURSELF.
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           Loving yourself relates to putting your self-care and self-love first. There are so many ways to prioritize yourself, and dating yourself is a great way to start! Romanticize everything you can about your day-to-day activities. Start to do for yourself the very same things you would do for your significant other.
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           WHY IS DATING YOURSELF IMPORTANT?
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            Dating yourself encourages
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           self-love and self-confidence
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            . You boost your self-esteem when you treat yourself with attention and care. You are worthy of love and respect! Doing this will only spread the love and respect you’ll feel for yourself in all other areas of your life. You will be and feel so
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           independent
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            . I personally feel as though if I can enjoy my own company, that will make me find happiness within myself, and I won’t rely on others for a sense of well-being. I know this will make you feel the same! Making time for myself also encourages
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           personal growth
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            . We must continue growing throughout our lives, and pouring into ourselves is one of the best ways to do it. When you’re alone with yourself, you start to
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            experience self-awareness
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           by understanding your own needs, thoughts, feelings, goals, and what truly makes you feel fulfilled.
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           WAYS YOU CAN DATE YOURSELF
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            The ways that I have dated myself so far are
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           going out for a meal
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            , taking
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           walks
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            ,
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           reading books
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            , and
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           journaling
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           . Those are the things I do on a regular basis. I like to treat myself to a meal by dining alone at a restaurant and buying something to eat that I don’t normally buy but love so much! I also like to people-watch while doing it! My go-to meals are either steak fajitas, surf n turd, or just a good filet mignon. I love to take walks when it is cooler out, specifically early in the morning or at night. Just make sure you are in a safe area, have safety tools with you, and are cognizant of your surroundings. Gym time, yoga, or Pilates, even at home, if you find these activities relaxing, are more great options.
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           There are so many ways that I have not tried yet but want to try so bad! Here is a list of ideas that we all need to try:
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           VISIT A MUSEUM OR ART GALLERY
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           I personally am not a museum or art gallery person, sadly, but I think this could be great for so many people. You could certainly take time to appreciate the exhibits and learn something new.
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           GO TO THE MOVIES OR THEATER SHOW
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           Attending a movie or theater by yourself would give you the advantage of enjoying it without distractions! I have never done this, but I know I would enjoy it.
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           TAKE A HIKE
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           This allows you to spend peaceful time in nature on a trail, in a park, or a botanical garden. This is a wonderful way to clear your mind. I am too scared these days to be in the woods alone, but I do want to try!
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           ATTEND A CLASS OR WORKSHOP
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           Make sure the class or workshop interests YOU! You can take classes such as cooking, painting, dancing, yoga, whatever. I would try baking or cooking first.
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           HAVE A SPA DA
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           This is a good way to pamper yourself! Get a facial or another treatment that will help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
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           READ A BOOK AT A CAFÉ
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           Pick a nice and cozy café, possibly while enjoying your favorite tea or coffee. I have done this at a bookstore before, so that works too!
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           TRAVEL ALONE
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           You can start with a weekend getaway or plan a longer solo trip if you’re brave. I have not tried this yet, but I can only imagine how empowering and liberating this experience must be!
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           COOK A SPECIAL MEAL
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           As many times as I have cooked myself a meal, I have never romanticized it! You can try a new recipe or cook your favorite dish, set the table nicely, maybe light some candles, and create a pleasant dining experience.
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           ENGAGE IN A HOBBY
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           Nothing beats spending time doing something you love! Examples may be gardening, crafting, playing an instrument, or whatever brings you joy. I have done this and didn’t even realize I was taking part in my self-care in that way.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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          &#xD;
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           EXPLORE YOUR CITY
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Be a tourist in your own city! Explore new neighborhoods, visit landmarks, and discover hidden gems.
          &#xD;
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          &#xD;
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            I wanted the
           &#xD;
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           perspective of a man
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            , so I asked my partner Kaddy what he would do to date himself. He said he would either go to the park and
           &#xD;
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           play ball by himself
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           go to the beach
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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            ,
           &#xD;
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           go for a walk
          &#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            ,
           &#xD;
      &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           sit in his car
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
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            , or
           &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           go to his mancave to sit and relax
          &#xD;
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    &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
      
           . I liked those ideas and decided to include them.
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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          &#xD;
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           I hope these ideas and tips help you start dating yourself!
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
    &lt;br/&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
  &lt;ul&gt;&#xD;
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      &lt;span&gt;&#xD;
        
            J
           &#xD;
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  &lt;/ul&gt;&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-4691211.jpeg" length="441818" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:37:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/date-yourself</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Date Yourself,Solo Date Ideas,Confidence,Romanticize,Romanticize Your Life,Solo,Date,Solo Date</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-4691211.jpeg">
        <media:description>thumbnail</media:description>
      </media:content>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-4691211.jpeg">
        <media:description>main image</media:description>
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    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tips on How to Navigate a Hostile Work Environment</title>
      <link>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/tips-on-how-to-navigate-a-hostile-work-environment</link>
      <description>Have you ever worked in a hostile work environment? I have tips that will help you navigate the situation and advocate for yourself. Do not accept hostile work environments!</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           And how to recognize a hostile work environment.
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           Have you ever worked in a hostile work environment? Better yet, have you ever had the pleasure of not working in a hostile environment? Would you even know the difference? I have had the pleasure of both, and I’d prefer to have a peaceful work environment! I’m sure that’s what most people would love, but unfortunately, that is not the case for everyone.
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           There is nothing worse than being stuck in a job where every morning you wake up, you think about ways in which you won’t have to go to work that day. I used to wake up some days when I worked at a textile mill and would ask my then-partner what day of the week it was. When he would say it was just Tuesday or Wednesday, I could almost cry because I was sure it was Friday! LOL! When I was working at an insurance company call center, I was so over that job, I was MISERABLE! Imagine not only working at a job you do not like but also being in a toxic environment.
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           What Do You Consider to be a Toxic Work Environment?
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           My idea of a toxic work environment would be one where your boss is always micromanaging you and/or belittling you. Maybe your job makes it hard or impossible for you to take time off. Co-workers can also make an environment extremely toxic if they constantly seem to be trying to throw you under the bus but act differently toward you while in your presence. You may also feel like you don’t have anyone you can trust. In many situations, this could include HR. There are endless ways a work environment can become toxic.
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           How Can You Tell if You’re Being Negatively Affected by Your Toxic Work Environment?
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            Your health will start to decline.
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            You can experience extreme stress, anxiety, and even depression.
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            Your life and relationships at work and at home may begin to suffer.
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           TIPS on Staying Healthy in Hostile Work Environments:
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            Set boundaries
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            Seek support
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            Practice self-care
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            Document, document, DOCUMENT incidents
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            Always stay professional
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            Limit exposure
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            Develop coping strategies
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            Seek professional help
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            Explore Alternatives
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            Know your rights!
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           Set Boundaries
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           Determine what kinds of behaviors are acceptable to you and what behaviors are unacceptable. Get clear about this and communicate it to your colleagues in an assertive, professional manner.
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           Seek Support
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           Build a network of friends and family both at work (if possible) and outside of work. These people should be your support system and can possibly provide advice. Professional support from a counselor may be helpful as well.
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           Practice Self-Care
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           There are the basics to practicing self-care, such as prioritizing your physical health and mental well-being. You can do this by exercising daily, getting proper nutrition and adequate sleep, and promoting relaxation by doing things such as meditation and yoga. In addition, self-care comes in many forms and looks different for everyone, so you may find other ways to partake in self-care. I consider self-love a part of mine and I make a routine and habit out of it. Always make time for yourself, and you can do things like journaling and learning spiritual practices that make you feel good!
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           Document Incidents
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           Always be sure to keep a notebook or use notes on your phone to document ANY and ALL hostile encounters at work. Be sure to keep detailed notes of behaviors and by whom, dates of occurrence, times, and locations in case you need to report any situations to HR or seek legal advice. Keep your receipts!
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           Always, Always, ALWAYS Remain Professional
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           Continue to remain professional in your interactions and in your work as a whole. Remaining professional helps to keep your reputation protected and helps to make it easier to address any necessary issues with management and/or HR.
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           Limit Exposure
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           Minimize your interactions with hostile individuals. Be sure to keep communications indirect, via email or other means, to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
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           Develop Coping Strategies
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           Practice techniques that can help keep you calm and centered. Practices you can take are actions that help you practice stress management, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness. You got this!
          &#xD;
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  &lt;/p&gt;&#xD;
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           Seek Professional Help
          &#xD;
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           If you begin to feel as though your work environment is hostile to the point that it is too overwhelming, please seek help from a mental health professional. They should be able to help provide strategies and support that are tailored specifically for your situation.
          &#xD;
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           Explore Alternatives
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  &lt;p&gt;&#xD;
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           At the end of the day, it is important to be in a healthy work environment. Nobody deserves to work with hostility. If you feel as though the job is worth working through by trying these tips, please try it. If you feel as though the environment is getting worse and nothing is helping, it may be time to try to explore other job opportunities. Please search for a new job in an environment that is supportive and healthy.
          &#xD;
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           Know Your Rights
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           Be sure to get familiar with your workplace policies and know the rights you have under labor law. You should always seek legal advice, if necessary, to discuss your options for addressing workplace hostility and mistreatment.
          &#xD;
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           At last, be happy and be well. I hope this helps!
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           -J
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-699459.jpeg" length="599932" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/tips-on-how-to-navigate-a-hostile-work-environment</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">environment,work,hostile,hostile work environment,work environment,tips on how to navigate hostile work environments,work tips</g-custom:tags>
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    <item>
      <title>Whispers of Fate - story time</title>
      <link>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/whispers-of-fate-story-time</link>
      <description>This is a story based off of a dream I have had. Have you ever wanted to do something so badly but had a really bad feeling about it? What's next?</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           Story Time
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  &lt;img src="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-4326363.jpeg"/&gt;&#xD;
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           Introduction:
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           “Before we begin, I want to share something with you. You see, I have a rather unusual gift—or curse, depending on how you look at it. I have the ability to dream of real events before they happen, or sometimes even as they’re unfolding. It’s a surreal experience, to say the least, and one that has often left me grappling with questions of fate, destiny, and the mysterious workings of the universe.
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           This story you’re about to read is inspired by one of those dreams. It’s a sci-fi tale that delves into the depths of my subconscious, exploring themes of fear, courage, and the fine line between fate and free will. While the characters and events may be fictionalized, the emotions and experiences they encounter are drawn from the very fabric of reality.
          &#xD;
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           So, as you embark on this journey with me, keep in mind that truth can be stranger than fiction. And who knows? Perhaps somewhere out there, in the vast expanse of the cosmos, these events are unfolding even as we speak.”
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           STORY
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           I wake up to my alarm. Late, as usual. That’s normal, but something about today feels strange, a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that I can’t shake. Today is my 45th birthday, and I’ve been training for weeks to get licensed for this. I am finally ready to do my birthday jump. But I’m nervous as hell!
          &#xD;
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           I jump out of bed to get ready, the weight of the day pressing down on me like a lead blanket. I shower quickly, brush my teeth, and get dressed with a sense of urgency I’ve never felt before. As I rush outside to the car, my heart sinks. A flat tire! First, I’m already running late, now this?! I wanted to be there early. I do not have time for this. Happy birthday to me!
          &#xD;
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           “Uber!” I exclaim, pulling out my phone. I can still make it on time if I act fast. The app tells me a driver is only 3 minutes away. Perfect! The driver pulls up to me, and I hurriedly climb into the car. “James?” I ask, already feeling the weight of the day bearing down on me.
          &#xD;
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           “Who wants to know?” he replies, a hint of amusement in his voice.
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           “I don’t really care, just as long as you know where I’m trying to go,” I snap back, my nerves getting the better of me.
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           “Skydive Tremont?” he asks, unfazed by my curt tone.
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           “Who needs James when I have you?” I mutter sarcastically, regretting my choice of words as soon as they leave my mouth.
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           The rest of the ride is tense, the silence only broken by the hum of the engine and the occasional honk of a horn. As we navigate the city streets, the Uber driver clears his throat, breaking the silence.
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           “You know, I once wanted to do something so bad, it consumed me,” he begins, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “I wanted to prove a point, to show the world what I was capable of. But deep down, I knew it was a mistake.”
          &#xD;
    &lt;/span&gt;&#xD;
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           I glance over at him, intrigued despite myself. “What happened?” I ask, unable to stop the words from leaving my lips.
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           He chuckles softly, the sound filled with bitterness. “Let’s just say, I got what I wanted. But it came at a cost. Sometimes, the things we desire most are the very things that destroy us.”
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           His words hit me like a punch to the gut, resonating with a truth I can’t ignore. Maybe this jump isn’t worth the risk. Maybe I should listen to my instincts and turn back.
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           But before I can dwell on it further, we arrive at the skydiving center, and I push the Uber driver’s cautionary tale to the back of my mind. After all, today is my birthday. I can’t let fear hold me back.
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           However, I feel a sense of dread wash over me. The sky is overcast, the clouds casting a gloomy shadow over the entire scene. This is not how I imagined my birthday jump.
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           I step out of the car, my legs feeling like lead as I make my way to the check-in counter. The staff greet me with forced enthusiasm, but I can see the concern in their eyes. Do they know something I don’t?
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           As I wait for my turn to gear up, the Uber driver’s words echo in my mind. His story about pushing through despite feeling uncertain resonates with me, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m making a mistake.
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           Despite the signs urging me to reconsider, I push forward. I suit up, go through the pre-jump checklist, and board the plane with a heavy heart.
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           As we climb higher and higher, my nerves reach a fever pitch. But then, a strange sense of calm washes over me. Maybe this is fate. Maybe this is where I’m meant to be.
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           I take a deep breath as the plane door opens, the rush of wind and adrenaline filling my senses. And then, without hesitation, I leap into the void.
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           For a moment, everything is perfect. 
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           As I pull the ripcord, expecting the reassuring billow of the parachute above me, there’s a sickening realization that something is terribly wrong. My heart pounds in my chest like a relentless drumbeat, each thump echoing in my ears like a dire warning. A knot of fear tightens in my stomach, threatening to choke the breath from my lungs, as adrenaline courses through my veins like wildfire.
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           The ground stretches out below me like a distant memory, a blur of muted colors and indistinct shapes. The world seems to spin and whirl around me, the sensation dizzying and disorienting as I struggle to make sense of the chaos unfolding before my eyes.
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           The roar of the wind fills my ears, drowning out all other noise as it buffets against my body with relentless force. It’s a deafening cacophony, overwhelming in its intensity, as if the very air itself is screaming in protest at my plight.
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           Amidst the chaos, I can hear the frantic thumping of my own heartbeat, the sound reverberating through my chest like a death knell. Each beat is a reminder of my mortality, a stark contrast against the vast expanse of the sky stretching out endlessly around me.
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           And then, as if from a nightmare, I hear it: the unmistakable sound of the parachute malfunctioning, a sharp, metallic snap that cuts through the howling wind like a knife. It’s a sound I’ll never forget, a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and the merciless whims of fate.
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           In that moment of sheer terror, all sense of time and space seems to dissolve around me. The world blurs into a dizzying whirl of colors and sensations, the clouds swirling and shifting like ghosts in the mist. There are no other skydivers in sight, no friendly faces to offer reassurance or support.
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           There is only me, alone in the vast expanse of the sky, hurtling towards the earth below with no hope of salvation.
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           In that moment of sheer terror, a strange sense of calm washes over me. Maybe this is how it was meant to end. Maybe this is the price I have to pay for ignoring the signs that were screaming at me to turn back. This was always meant to be my fate, and now, as I embrace the darkness, I finally feel free.
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           As the ground rushes up to meet me, I brace myself for the inevitable impact. The world blurs into a dizzying whirl of colors and sensations, the wind tearing at my clothes and hair as if trying to drag me down into the depths below.
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           And then, with a bone-jarring thud, everything goes black.
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           ONLOOKERS
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           As the skydiver plummets towards the ground, onlookers at the skydiving center watch in horror as the drama unfolds before their eyes. Gasps of disbelief escape their lips as they realize something has gone terribly wrong.
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           “He’s not going to make it!” someone cries out, their voice tinged with despair.
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           Frantic shouts fill the air as skydiving instructors and staff members rush to the edge of the drop zone, their faces pale with shock and fear. They’ve seen accidents before, but never anything like this.
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           The sound of sirens pierces the air as emergency responders arrive on the scene, their vehicles screeching to a halt as they leap into action. Time is of the essence, but despite their best efforts, there’s little they can do for the skydiver as he hurtles towards the ground.
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           As the dust settles and the chaos begins to subside, a hushed silence falls over the crowd gathered at the skydiving center. All eyes are trained on the spot where the skydiver made impact, a somber realization dawning on them as they come to terms with the tragic outcome.
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           Paramedics rush to the scene, their faces grim as they assess the situation. It’s a heartbreaking sight, as they confirm what everyone already knows deep down: the skydiver didn’t make it.
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           The skydiving center is plunged into mourning as the reality of the situation sinks in. It’s a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the sport they all love, a sobering moment that will stay with them long after the sun sets on this fateful day.
          &#xD;
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-4326363.jpeg" length="383523" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Mar 2024 02:27:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/whispers-of-fate-story-time</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Whispers of fate story,whispers of fate,story time,fiction,dream stories,dreams,blog story,fiction story blog,dream story,scifi story,fiction story,Whispers of fate infinite allure,skydiving story</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-4326363.jpeg">
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      <title>New Year, New Goals... and Planning?</title>
      <link>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/new-year-new-goals-and-planning</link>
      <description>How much time do you give yourself to achieve specific goals? I think I have found a new, more effective way!</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           How Do You Plan Your New Goals?
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           I have always been the type to write out a long list of (sometimes outrageous) goals that I would like to achieve over the next year. When I look back on old goals I’ve created years ago, I noticed that I always achieve them and most of the time more than I had expected. Ahh! The power of manifestation! That is with just writing it and forgetting about it! And then I find them years later and laugh. Imagine if I had a specific plan and set dates with specific weekly steps to take to achieve the goals. I recently learned that, instead of making yearly goals, break them up quarterly. So, in each year, you would have 4 quarters. Learning about this, I also stumbled upon a book called The 12 Week Year, by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington. So, in my mind, I already have this plan on writing them out and figuring it out on my own. However, I started listening to the book on how to set this up. I will let y’all know how it goes. LOL!!  I plan to set my plans into place over the next week or so, at least for this first quarter. I love this idea because it really seems to light a fire up under your butt. With this method, I can no longer write my goals and hide behind the fact that I have 12 months to do this and if I don’t, well, I must need longer, right? No. Hell no! I’m actually a little intimated to start, not gonna lie. Now, I have 12 WEEKS. Get it done or feel like shit.
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           Feel free to let me know how you’re planning and executing your goals for the year and the upcoming years. Don’t forget to follow on IG at infiniteallurebyj for daily inspiration and Blog updates!! Feel free to message me or comment under posts to let me know any tips you’d like to share, or any topics you’d like me to discuss. Happy New Year and happy planning everyone!
          &#xD;
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                                                       - J
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&lt;/div&gt;</content:encoded>
      <enclosure url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-19797272.jpeg" length="51296" type="image/jpeg" />
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jan 2024 01:39:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/new-year-new-goals-and-planning</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">Infinite Allure,goals quarterly,goal planning,new year goals,Blog,Infinite Allure Wellness Blog,12 week year,goals</g-custom:tags>
      <media:content medium="image" url="https://irp.cdn-website.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-19797272.jpeg">
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    <item>
      <title>Holidays During Your Healing</title>
      <link>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/holidays-during-your-healing</link>
      <description>Everyone always talks about the holidays, but nobody talks about how we continue to heal during the holidays.  Here are ways to focus on wellness during the stressful holiday season!</description>
      <content:encoded>&lt;div data-rss-type="text"&gt;&#xD;
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           How Are You Healing During the Holidays?
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           With every new holiday season, I swear, my heart gets a little smaller. The kids get a little less grateful as they want a little bit more than last time… despite any misbehaving. The shopping gets a little more daunting, I wait a little longer each year to do the shopping (December 23
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            this year, to be exact), THINGS get a little more expensive, my patience is getting thinner, and my mental health is taking just a few more kicks to the face. I have a few wellness tips that I would like to share with you that work well for me. I know that they can help someone that is reading this. I don’t know about you, but I am over it! I just want to decorate, eat good food, dress cute, watch movies, and be happy. But it is not always like that and this holiday season, I felt like I had a lot more on my plate and there were so many things going on in my personal life, that I found it hard to focus. I think there are only a few things that keep me hanging on the very thin thread that I’m on. The only thing that I kept being consistent at while it appeared that everything else in my life was falling apart was trying to stay positive and grateful despite all of it!!! On days I could only see what was trying so hard to piss me off and stress me out, I tried just as hard, if not harder to find at least 3 things to be grateful for. But not only that, I LIVE for positive affirmations. Many times, when we think about healing, we think about healing from our pasts. Yes, we are constantly going to be healing from our past, but we are still going through things today that require healing from too. That’s why I titled this blog Holidays During Your Healing because the holidays are happening WHILE we are healing. So, lets focus on our past healing without forgetting about the present healing as well. This week, I have been home on vacation from work until 2024 (yay) and my kids have been home from school. I am ready to go back to work because this has by far been one of the hardest holiday vacations I have had for every reason you can imagine! I won’t bore you with the details, but I got sick on Christmas and was pretty much in bed for the rest of the week. This is the 3
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            time I’ve been sick in the past 2 months, by the way! Maybe I should’ve gotten that flu shot after all! I have been getting over it and my body is very sore! On to trying to plan something to do for New Year’s Eve, it appears as if the Universe wants me to stay home. From plans to going to New York to doing something here in Providence, Rhode Island, everything points to staying home. Note taken, thank you Universe! One thing I know, during all this madness, I have been staying grounded through the stress, even when I want to scream!
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           These are 3 things that have helped me stay grounded throughout this holiday season:
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           Morning Affirmations:
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           Each day, before I get out of bed, before I check social media, before I start my other tasks for the day, I must start my day with affirmations, preferably in the morning. You can listen to apps that play affirmations, or you can record your own and play them back to yourself. I also post affirmations daily on my Instagram. I never realized how much affirmations helped until I was consistent with it, and they get me through every day.
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           Gratitude Journaling:
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           I have always heard that you need to be grateful and thankful every single day, no matter what, for what you currently have and where you currently are in life. This is the only way for the Universe to continue to give you the positive things that you desire. Then more abundance will continue to flow in. On days that I am so stressed and angry and focused on the things I don’t want; I dig deep and STILL find at least 3 things to be grateful for and I write them down. If my head is cloudy and I can’t think of anything, I just might be thankful for the beautiful gold pen I’m writing with, the aesthetically pleasing iPad I’m writing on, and the ability to wake up in the morning and write! When I do this, I find out that I do not stay in that negative headspace for long.
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           Breath Work:
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           I do 4-7-8 breath work. I recently learned about breathwork and the benefits of it over the past several months. Just 3 benefits of breathwork, that I have noticed since starting are strengthened lungs, improved mood, and improved focus. I like to do my breathwork right before I meditate and journal. I also make sure I do my breathwork as soon as I get to work and before I start working. It just sets the tone for me.
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           I plan on going in depth on each of these categories and devote full blog posts to each in the future. I wanted to get this out there in hopes to help someone. Please feel free to let me know of any questions or comments you have or if you would like to see something covered in one of my future blogs. Please, don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter so you can get updates and blog post notifications. Also,
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           please follow me on Instagram @infiniteallurebyj
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           for updates, discussions about my latest blog post, and daily positive affirmations, to help get your day started on the right foot!! I hope everyone has a lovely holiday! Happy New Year, stay safe, and see you in 2024!!!     
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            -J
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      <pubDate>Sun, 31 Dec 2023 23:33:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/holidays-during-your-healing</guid>
      <g-custom:tags type="string">healing,Wellness Blog,holidays during healing,holidays,mental health,holiday healing,gratitude,affirmations,breathwork,Blog,holiday stress</g-custom:tags>
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      <title>Introducing the Infinite Allure Wellness Blog</title>
      <link>https://www.myinfiniteallure.com/blog/introducing-the-infinite-allure-wellness-blog</link>
      <description>Welcome to the Infinite Allure Wellness Blog! This is our first blog where I introduce myself and what we have planned for this blog.</description>
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           About Us!
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           Hello and welcome to Infinite Allure Wellness Blog! I am so happy to have you here! I appreciate your time and I recognize that you could be doing anything you want to do, and you are choosing to be reading this blog. So, thank you. I am so excited to have launched this blog and I look forward to sharing my thoughts and tips with you.
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           My Intentions
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           My intentions are to share with you the many aspects of wellness and what I find to be working for me. I aim to create a community that understands that we all deserve wellness and there are many different aspects of wellness that we should be taking advantage of. I want to discuss many topics and give tips that I know have helped me and would also like to continue learning about more wellness tips and topics that we can implement into our current routines. I know the ladies want to feel like a Goddess and “That Girl” and the guys want to feel like “That Guy”! Y’all know what I’m talking about! So, let’s do it! I am committed to providing valuable, insightful, and engaging blog posts in each category that I cover.
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           Exploring Categories
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           The main categories I will be covering in this blog are journaling, sci-fi short stories, finance tips, and spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional wellness tips. There are reasons for why I have chosen these specific category topics to cover in this blog. Each one is important to our overall health and wellness… at least for me, so I know many of you will find them helpful as well. First, journaling is very helpful because what you can do with journaling is endless! You can use journaling to do shadow work, release thoughts, record your dreams, write stories, letters to your higher self, write about what you’re grateful for, and many other things. Remember, all of this is healing and healing is a part of wellness. You will be surprised about what you may uncover and how it will make you feel. 
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           Second, writing and/or reading sci-fi stories helps my personal wellness because it is an escape for me. I find a lot of meaning and entertainment in fiction short stories. Many of mine are based off dreams I’ve had so I find that it brings creativity out of me and something about that is very healing. Third, finance tips are so important! As I get older (and wiser), I am focusing more on my finances and learning something new every day. I wish I had someone to teach me what I know now, back when I was younger because in many ways, my financial health would be much better today. 
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           Fourth, spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional tips provide an unbelievable amount of help toward your overall wellness glow up! Whatever spiritual practices you partake in will help you stay grounded, whether that’s praying, meditating, manifesting, or whatever! Physical wellness keeps your body looking and feeling good on the outside and inside. If we’re taking care of ourselves through exercise and making healthier food choices, we can see changes in our moods and overall physical health. We all can agree that mental is very important. Listening to our bodies and the way we’re feeling and thinking can tell us so much. Therapy is a great way to stay on top of our mental health. Lastly, emotional wellness ties in very closely to mental health as well. Emotional intelligence is one of the most underrated aspects, in my opinion. So, let’s talk about it! All of it! I do plan on maintaining a consistent posting schedule for each category, so please remember to check back.
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            I encourage you to engage and let me know what you think! Please leave comments and share your own thoughts and experiences. You may also suggest topics that you would like to see covered here in the future. You may also follow me on Instagram @infiniteallurebyj, for updates, affirmations, and further discussions. Please bear with me as that page is just as new as this blog. I’d love to hear from you!
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           Thank you again, for taking the time to read my very first blog, you are appreciated! Thank you for joining me on this journey of building a community and please don’t forget to look out for our future email newsletter for updates! Until next time, remember, you are Goddesses and Gods, and you deserve INFINITE WELLNESS! 
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                                                                                                              -
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           J
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      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 13:40:28 GMT</pubDate>
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