Change Your Mood: 6 Tips To Uplift Your Spirit

By: Alyssa Cole

Having a hard day at work and everything just seems to be keeping you down?  Does your family get on your nerves? Just got a bad grade on an assignment you worked hard on? Any one of these scenarios are an easy way to damper a mood! But how are you getting rid of that frown and bringing back a smile? Here’s some ways to help you get out of a bad mood and uplift your spirit!

1. Inspirational Reading Quotes  

One of my favorite things to do is write quotes or search for quotes online. Positive words and affirmations are a great way to change your perspective and mood on a lousy situation. Words after all create thoughts that create actions!

>> SEE ALSO: Never Apologize For Your Self Confidence And Self Esteem

2. Dress With Confidence

Wear that something that you know you look great in! How you put yourself together can really impact your self esteem especially depending on if you feel you look nice in your outfit. Nothing is wrong with taking a few minutes to put a nice outfit together with your favorite perfume/cologne to match! Who doesn’t feel good when they know they look good right?! Wear clothes that make you feel good! This is a sure tip to uplift your spirit.

3. Listen to Upbeat Music

 Listening to music that gets you moving is a nice way to shift your mood from sad to happy. Be selective about what you listen to because music is powerful. Instead of listening to a sad love song, turn on your favorite empowering song or your go to playlist for when you’re going out that you know will have you dancing in your seat and uplift your spirit!

4.  Exercise Makes You Feel Good

Have you ever heard someone say they felt way better after they work out? For many this is true! It’s something about putting your frustrations and issues from the day into a nice lifting session or run on the treadmill. This is an immediate spirit lifter! However you blow off some steam in the gym, try that routine to help you clear your mind, get active, and change your mood!

5.  Get Some Fresh Air

 Sometimes something as small as taking a break to step outside and take in that amazing sun while looking at that clear blue sky, does something to the mind. It can help relax your mind as well as bring you a sense of peace. Depending on the person, being out in nature can really help soothe and calm one’s body and spirit. Taking a moment to get some fresh air is an easy way to uplift your spirit!

>> SEE ALSO: Benefits of Meditation: Practicing Stillness Is Good For The Body

6. Talking To Friends

Talking to someone that you know has a reputation of motivating and uplifting others is a great way to help you get out of bad mood. We have people that come to mind even if it’s someone you admire on social media that is encouraging. Talking to friends who a positive spirit is a sure way to uplift your spirit. Take the time to speak or listen to that friend that has a way of cheering you up when you find yourself down!

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Never Apologize For Your Self Confidence And Self Esteem

By: Deveney Marshall

I haven’t always been the strong, self-assured, and confident woman that I am today. I can recall a time in my life where I was so lost and confused on what it even meant to be a confident woman. Growing up, I was always surrounded by such beautiful and strong women, who without even saying one word commanded the attention of everyone every time they walked into a room. Something I always wanted, but never quite understood how to build confidence on this level.

When I got to my teen years, like most people I began to second-guess everything about me, and truthfully I began to ask the age old question “Am I good enough?” I would pick myself apart physically and mentally. It didn’t matter how much others complimented me, I never quite believed them. I almost felt like they saw me as severely flawed and only told me positive things out of pity. This way of negative thinking lasted until maybe my sophomore year of college.

At 19, I began to learn about the art of Kabbalah. Kabbalah means to receive, and is the ancient wisdom that reveals how the universe and life work. It teaches you how to find purpose in life and self fulfillment. A huge part of Kabbalah is reciting positive affirmations. I began to really sit with myself, meditate, and learn why I felt such negative things about myself. I started practicing daily affirmations that focused on how to find inner peace and how to build self worth within myself.

>> SEE ALSO: Dangers of Social Media: Is Social Media Addiction Real?

After about a month or so of reciting my daily affirmations, I started believing others when they complimented me because I began to see my inner beauty. I began to realize perfection is not attainable and that I am a work of art created by God himself (or herself) and that alone makes me good enough. I stopped apologizing for my beliefs and morals. I stopped caring about other people's opinions and perception of who I am. I began to truly see myself, my real self, and love the woman who I saw in the mirror everyday.

Cut to now, I am probably the happiest I have ever been with myself. When I say I love me, hunty I love me! I am so proud of the woman that I’ve grown into, and I will never apologize for being authentically myself. I've gotten to this space in life where I now know if someone doesn’t like me, it has nothing to do with me but everything to do with them. As my good friend Hébert would say “Hunni, they just can’t take, and that’s okay.” So call me conceited, vain, and any other similar adjective. I’ve worked incredibly hard to become the empowered woman that I am today, and I refuse to apologize for having such a beautiful, bold, and bright aura.

>> SEE ALSO: Pursuit of Happiness: Where You Live Is A Key To Happiness

If you haven’t gotten to this place of sanctity please know that it is okay. It takes time, and is not something that will happen overnight. Finding peace within yourself is not an easy thing, but it is extremely necessary. It’s the only true way you will grow. I promise you that one day you will get there.

>> SEE ALSO: 3 Tips To Overcoming And Breaking Bad Habits

Remember being beautiful has nothing to do with physicality, but everything to do with who you are on the inside. Truly beautiful people have a light that comes from within them. They have an energy that is unmatched. And they have a spirit that is so captivating you can feel the happiness that lies within their soul.

Now go out find your inner peace, find your happiness, and most importantly find your self-worth...and don’t you ever apologize for it!

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3 Tips To Overcoming And Breaking Bad Habits

By: Alyssa Cole

Have you found yourself doing things that you said you were going to stop doing? You said you were going to stop eating fast food? Or that you would stop drinking? You said you were going to leave that one person alone? That you would stop procrastinating? Let’s face it, we all want to do better, but sometimes we don’t always act on it. Why is that? Maybe it’s because were comfortable with the habits that we have created. How long does it take to form a habit? They say it takes between 21-28 days to create a habit which may sound like a long time to some people, but it’s actually very short! I’m sure we all have things that we wish we didn’t do, but we just need a little help on breaking old habits. Here’s 3 tips to overcome bad habits to get you on a path to a better life.

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Be True to Yourself

Know when something could trigger the habit your trying to work on. Say you want to stop drinking, but want to go out with your friends to a house party. Now you knew going to that party was going to end up with you being tempted to drink so why did you still go? More than likely it was because you weren’t be honest with yourself about what you can and can’t handle. Are you being honest with yourself when trying to break this bad habit? Always take a moment to ask yourself is this a good idea or is this going to potentially end up with me wishing I didn’t do it.

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Change Your Environment

Sometimes a new scenery is just what you need to start on a fresh path. Say you’re going out to the casino but you know you have a bad bit of saving money. Guess what? You’re setting yourself up to fail! Instead find local places that don’t require spending a lot of money or any money at all while still having a good time! We hear people say they are a product of their environment every day and it’s understandable that where you are can in fact impact you. Just remember that you as a person decide if you will allow your environment to impact you and your lifestyle so put yourself in good environment where you can make smart and beneficial decisions for your life.

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Set Realistic Expectations

Breaking bad habits will never happen in a day. Depending on the habit, it could takes weeks or even months. Taking slow but steady steps will still lead you to the finish line! Say you’re trying to stop smoking. Instead of trying to go cold turkey by completing cutting out cigarettes, which could potentially have you very irritated and on the edge, try little steps like smoking less amounts of cigarettes as each week goes by. Use this example and relate it to your bad habit. Take each week to work on cutting back more and more on it, so that before you know it’ll be gone and you’ll be on your way to better living! 

By remembering that you are in control of your mind and your body, you will be able to tackle your bad habits and be on your way to success. Change doesn’t happen in a day, but the first step to being better is to acknowledge the issue and then find ways to come up with a solution! 

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You Attract What You Are: Using The Law Of Attraction To Better Your Life

By: Omar Cook

To attract better things in life, you have to become a better you and change your life around! Sounds simple right? A lot of what you attract and who you attract to your life has to do with your energy and what you're putting into the universe. The law of attraction is real, and you will attract exactly what it i you're looking for if you set your energy towards that. Have you ever left a relationship, got into a new relationship and felt like you were dating the same person or dealing with the same issues? Has one drastic negative event happened in your life that led to another negative event and it begins to feel overwhelming? It’s time to change your mindset and your surroundings. 

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Successful people do things that put them in the best situations. Many people have problems with how to break bad habits, recognizing your bad habits is important to elevating your life to the next level! We are all searching for ways to have nice things and live an abundant life, and to achieve this we have to be aware of what we put our energy into. Positive energy will more often than not produce positive results. Sometimes we get so caught up in our lives that we don’t even realize that we aren’t attracting what we need to and that what’s around us isn't healthy. You have to be able to eliminate distractions and go into solitude. To eliminate your distractions, you have to figure out what exactly is a distraction to you. Ask yourself these questions:

What is disturbing my peace?

What am I giving my focus to that I know I can do without? 

What takes your attention away from doing what you need to do?

Where am I spending most of my time?

After you figure out the answers to these questions, you will know what needs to go. These answers could be life changing. Practice being in solitude and focus on what makes you happy and what brings you peace. If it disturbs your spirit, most likely you don't need it. This can apply to activities, and people as well. You’re only as good as the people you associate with. If your friends aren’t living up their potential, how is that helping you live up to yours? Where is your motivation to do better if the people around you aren’t pushing you to be better?

>> SEE ALSO: Starting Over in Life: Overcoming Setbacks on the Road to Success

Human nature is to become a product of our environments and our surroundings. Take a look at your inner circle and evaluate; are these the people that are going to help me get to the next level in life? Surround yourself with people who have similar goals to you, and are constantly making positive leaps in their lives. Surround yourself with people that are doing better than you, and watch how your motivation to do better changes. 

Positive Affirmations

Smart Goal Setting

Smart goal setting is one of the easiest and most critical keys to getting what you want. You may be asking why is goal setting important? Writing down your goals in life makes them real and you will be on your way to becoming a successful person. Many people are unfamiliar with how to set goals, so here a few tips. Start by writing a list of smart goals; short term goals and long term goals. Next to each of these goals, write down how you plan to accomplish this goal. Post the list somewhere visible where you can see it each and everyday; a healthy reminder that you made a promise to yourself to accomplish something.

>> SEE ALSO: 10 Habits of Highly Productive People: How to Achieve More in Less Time

After you accomplish a certain goal, cross it out. This system of goal setting and reading your goals everyday and crossing them out when they're accomplished will push your life to the next level. Success is like a drug; as soon as you get a test of something good you will continue to want more of it. Accomplishing your goals will become second nature to you and positive after positive will begin to happen for you. Just watch how things change in your life!

Postive Affirmations

Speaking positive affirmations into your life everyday is a major key to a mindset shift. Start speaking positive words on your negative situations and your approach to adversity will change. Positive thinking is extremely important for your mindset shift. The power of positive thinking is underestimated, and implementing this into your life will produce positive life changes. Positive affirmations should become a lifestyle. Thinking positive in all situations is how successful people think, and this helps them to accomplish great success. Speaking things into existence is one of the best habits of successful people. 

>> SEE ALSO: Benefits of Meditation: Practicing Stillness Is Good For The Body

People are attracted to positive people, and the energy they put out. Nobody wants to be around a debby downer all the time, a party pooper, a mood killer. When you start to speak positive about every situation, the impossible becomes possible so do not underestimate the power of positivity! Break the habit of negative thinking and negative self talk and replace this with positive self talk! What seemed like a major giant, a mountain, now just becomes another hurdle for you to jump over. Positive affirmations are a definite life changer. 

How do I attract better and be better? Eliminate distractions. Smart goal setting. Speak positive affirmations and positive self talk. Once your surroundings and habits change, you will change. You will attract better if you become better. This is a process and with every great thing comes work and time but will guarantee that you are a success in life. Speak life into your endeavors and practice good habits! Push through the adversity and become who you were destined to be!

THIS ARTICLE IS RELATED TO: positive thinking, law of attraction, abundant life, positive affirmations, positive words, the power of positive thinking, smart goals, goal setting

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Benefits of Meditation: Practicing Stillness Is Good For The Body

By: Alyssa Cole

In our daily lives we tend to run around from work to hobbies and sometimes don’t end up taking a break from the constant run around. Living in a world that is constantly on the move and moving fast, we tend to take away from our self-care and mental health care. We see in so many cases nowadays people struggling with self-esteem, self-confidence, and just genuinely being happy. But what is missing out of our daily activities? What may be missing is taking a moment to practice stillness. Practicing stillness is one of the major

>> SEE ALSO: Learning Lessons In Patience and Accountability

Stillness is defined as a lack of movement or sound. Now I know what you may be thinking, I don’t have time to be still because I have XYZ to do! But the real question is, would you make more time to be still if it was good for your long term health? Being still has been known to soothe the nervous system. Very important system in your body right?! You literally can not function properly without a solid nervous system if you think about it.

>> SEE ALSO: The Spectacle Of Self-Love: A Radical Approach To Self-Love And Appreciation

Practicing stillness can be done by a variety of activities, whether it is daily meditation, sitting in your favorite place of peace without distractions or noise around while just practicing deep breathing exercises, or even listening to relaxing meditation music as you lay down (not the head bangers y’all!). 

>> SEE ALSO: You Belong in the Room: 3 Tips for Combatting Those Feelings of Not Belonging

Many people may not realize this but stillness is powerful! It gives us a moment to reflect on our lives and calm down the many thoughts that are in our minds everyday. All the thoughts we have everyday and then over time can put our minds in overload, which is why practicing stillness is so important. Still feel like you don’t know when you could practice stillness? Schedule it! Nothing is wrong with setting a reminder or alarm to take 15 minutes to just breathe and relax your mind. It is so important to not overwork your mind and give it too a rest. Remember, always find a way to make time for self-care because your health truly depends on it. Stillness=peace.  

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Dangers of Social Media: Is Social Media Addiction Real?

By: Alyssa Cole

Have you ever found yourself grabbing your phone often to check a notification or alert from one of your favorite social media sites? Do you get this anxious feeling to keep up with what's going on with all of your social media networks? Addiction is one of the real dangers of social media! Many of us experience this on a daily basis. Some people may not realize or want to believe that they may in fact be addicted to social media outlets. Is it strange? In the society we live in, of course not! But is it good? That also gets a answer of of course not. However, lets talk about a few facts you should know about social media addiction. 

SEE ALSO: The Power of Affirmations | 4 Steps for Powerfully Affirming Yourself

210 Million People Are Estimated To Suffer From Internet & Social Media Addictions

This number is constantly growing as technology develops. As stated before, the uses of social media has become a daily part of the average person's life. 

Social Media Statistics: 

A 2018 study found that teens who spend 5 hours per day using their phones, were twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms vs teens who only dedicate around 1 hour on their phones. 

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Young, Single Females Are Addicted To Social Media Apps More Than Any Other Group

A recent study with over 15,000 participants between the ages of 16 and 88 found that being a young, single female was most strongly associated with displaying addictive social media behavior. Addictive social media behavior was also strongly related to narcissistic personality traits and low self-esteem.

71% Of People Sleep With Or Next To Their Mobile Phone. Social media addiction doesn’t just affect behavior during the day; it even damages people’s ability to sleep. A study found that 71% of Americans sleep with or next to a mobile device.

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Some 47 million people in America do not get enough sleep and 55% more teens were sleep deprived in 2015 than in 1991 because of social media today. Exposure to screens before bed is a large factor in exacerbating sleep disorders. 35% of people using phones less than average experienced sleep difficulty compared to 42% of those with average or above average phone usage. 

Some of these facts may come as a surprise and some may not, but the real question is what can we do as a community to beat this addiction if at all possible? Will we remember to better our face to face communication more than communication on social media? Will communication ever be as good as it use to be? Will it be more mentally ill and low self-esteem people as time goes on if there isn't a solution found? Many questions can be raised when learning the facts behind social media addiction.

It's important to remember that although social media is a great platform to express yourself, it is an accessory and not a necessity. Taking breaks every few months can be extremely beneficial and could also help you track just how proactive you are without it, as well as help you notice how distracted you are by utilizing it. Are you addicted? If so, what will you do to be better off? 

THIS ARTICLE IS RELATED TO: social media addiction, social media addiction facts, social media addiction study, social media addiction statistics, addicted to social media

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Pursuit of Happiness: Where You Live Is A Key To Happiness

By: Alyssa Cole

Sometimes we get so caught up in day to day life to even have a moment to sit down and wonder what would life be like if we left the towns and cities that we have known for our whole lives. Some only dream of moving to better places and some simply hold back due to lack of comfort and knowledge in any other place but where they grew up. Comfort can be safe but dangerous at the same time for your state of happiness.

>> SEE ALSO: Following Your Own Path: Life Is Not One Size Fits All

Studies from the New England Journal Of Medicine, show that 70% of premature death stems from the environment one is in, lack health care access, and individual behaviors. Take that in for a second. 70%! That is a very high number. Many people may not think that where you live and health blend with each other but in fact it really does!

>> SEE ALSO: Faking the Funk: 7 Signs You're Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

How many times have you heard somebody say that they aren’t really happy with where they live and just need a change of scenery? Their hometown has little to offer in resources or employment opportunities? Even that they just simply need to move away and start a new journey? We hear these kinds of statements all the time and they are really signs that it’s time to take a leap of faith, especially if you find yourself saying these things all the time!

Did you know that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves at least a dozen times in their lifetime? Now, why is that? I think that there are many answers to this question but one may agree that it’s because the average American doesn’t feel content with where they live and with more opportunities placed in front of them, come reasons to pack their car up and hit the road to the next city! Moving to a new town can be scary, but being willing to take a risk because it can really be worth it, especially if it affects your state of happiness.

>> SEE ALSO: The Art Of Being Bold: How To Exude Your Natural Confidence

Are you happy with where you live? Have you thought often about moving? I suggest to someone today that if you have been feeling in your spirit to move on from your city or small town, take the necessary steps to steps to change your life and put yourself in a stable financial situation to move forward and try out a new place. Always remember that materialistic items will never make you as happy as solid self care and self love, so make sure to put your happiness and health first! The pursuit of happiness is a journey so don't be afraid to take leaps of faith!

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Embracing Self Love and Learning to Love Your Body

By: Alyssa Cole

The modern day woman takes on many tasks. For generations, women have been told that appearance is very important and to be conscious of how we present ourselves. But what about embracing what we were born with? How often do we see in the media to love the skin you're in without enhancing a part of us? Self love and loving your body is extremely important for women today!

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If you watch television, you constantly see advertisements and commercials for beauty enhancements, how to lose weight fast, to get a certain "Look" that you are searching for. Isn't it interesting how often we see things to alter our views on the natural being of our bodies? These ads can subconsciously make us think that something in-fact is lacking within us and without self esteem, can have a big impact on us.

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The Woman in this present time, is constantly told to act a certain way and do, but we see more and more everyday people taking their desired looks and finding shortcuts to achieve which sometimes is good but sometimes also are bad. Women have been doing illegal procedures which have sometimes ended deadly or ended up with damaging effects, some women getting addicted to enhancements, and even people become depressed when looks haven't been achieved.

SEE ALSO: 10 Habits of Highly Productive People: How to Achieve More in Less Time

I think it's important to remember in this day and age that you have to love the skin you're in. If you want to fix your look, be sure to achieve these desires in healthy and legal ways, and to really ask yourself why you want to change a certain thing about you. Always remember to make decisions on how you look and act solely based on YOU!! I challenge you today to look at things that you want to change about yourself physical, if anything, and ask yourself why? Is it health related? Is it really necessary? What steps will I need to take? Will I be just fine without any changes? From there, do what's best for you but just remember to LOVE YOURSELF!

Self-love is so important especially in a time and era such as the one we live in. Never forget about self-love and self-care!

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Relaxation Tips: 3 Tips For How To Relieve Stress During The Work Week

By Alyssa Cole

Sometimes it is so hard to just get a few hours to yourself especially depending on your work schedule. 

Worn out? Here are some tips to help you relax during those rough weekdays.

• Yoga For Stress Relief - This has been a popular idea on numerous sites for how to relax more and I must say it does help a lot! Give yourself anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour of yoga or stretching with some relaxing music playing in the background and see how you feel afterward =)

>> SEE ALSO: The TRUTH About CONFRONTATION: Speak What You Need

• Phone Distraction: Put The Phone Down - Yes I know what you’re thinking, she has lost her mind lol but seriously guys you will be surprised how much more you’re relaxed when you turn your phone off or have it on DND for periods of time throughout the day. When I put my phone in another area of the house I end up getting so much more done vs. when my phone is right next to me. We are the generation that is addicted to phones ITS A ILLNESS! So try and resist the urge to always be near it and checking it and you’ll see how more relaxed you feel from just this little gesture. People can wait but your health cant!

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• Relaxing Music - Yesssss! Music has helped me in so many situations to become relaxed and to take some steam off when somebody has pissed me off at work or in my personal life. Music is a form of therapy that is indescribable but so needed. Music makes you feel at ease and a sense of relief depending on what you’re listening to. I personally like R&B, Gospel, Instrumental, and Rap. Somedays I need my church music to help me through and after a long day at work, I need that loud Rap music to keep me pushing. Create a playlist that has all your favorite songs on them and when you’re having a bad day get away from the world and blast that music!

>> SEE ALSO: The Art Of Being Bold: How To Exude Your Natural Confidence

I hope these 3 tips help you to find more relaxing moments in your day to day routines! 

Remember your health and peace of mind is more important than anything else!

[relaxation techniques, relaxation time, relaxation therapy, stress management, stress free, worn out woman]

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Self Care Tips: 3 Tips To Self Healing Emotionally

By Alyssa Cole

1. Let Go of Your Fear Of Rejection

We are human and no we don't enjoy getting hurt feelings by people people we like, however, don't let your fear or rejection be the reason you don't take chances to express how you feel about someone. If it doesn't work out, you have to tell yourself everything happens for a reason and that better things are coming your way! Start letting go of fear!

SEE ALSO: Learning Lessons In Patience and Accountability

2. Stop Reminiscing

I'm guilty of this one myself! We all have that one person who we think about from time and time and then you find yourself in your feelings and you start to think what if, if we can work it out, and eventually we make things worse! As challenging as this one is, it's important to remind yourself that thinking about past good times can cause emotional distress. It can create mental stress and emotional stress without you even realizing it. Did you know that?! So let's focus on the present now and keep moving forward past the old times.

>> SEE ALSO: The Spectacle Of Self-Love: A Radical Approach To Self-Love And Appreciation

3. Failure Is The Key To Success

For some, failing has a huge impact on their pride and self-esteem, and that is not something you want to go through. Your self esteem is important daily and you want to keep it up as high as you can to avoid feeling sorry for yourself because this is what causes depression. Practice flipping failure into success by saying positive affirmations like this "I know I didn't do so good on that test but I'll study harder next time so I can do better." Doesn't that sound better than "I failed this test, I'm stupid." Yes, it sounds wayy better! Constantly flip your failures into success and you'll notice a major difference in your self confidence and self-esteem.

 These 3 Tips will help you get that much closer to being where you want to be emotionally!

>> SEE ALSO: Mastering Forgiveness: Letting Go of Past Grudges

THIS ARTICLE IS RELATED TO: healing emotional wounds, emotional health, healing woman,  emotionally strong woman, healthy woman, stress free life

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