Interesting Things to Know
Key things positive people do differently
You’ve probably noticed that successful people seem to live in a different world than everyone else. They have an attitude of gratitude, exude confidence, and appear to be in a better place in life.
Many people are trying to succeed in their lives, but they don’t know how to get there.
Successful people do things differently, and it’s important for you to adopt those habits if you want to move forward in life.
Everyone has heard about positive and negative people. It seems like it should be easy to tell who is a positive person and who is a negative person, right? Well, it’s not quite that easy. Many factors go into determining who is a positive person and who is a negative person.
How do you become more positive? Is it possible to change your mood? Is there a secret to becoming more positive? If you’re like me, you’ve often heard the term “positive thinking” tossed around.
For a long time, I thought that positive thinking was all it took to become happy and successful. Then I realized that my mind was playing tricks on me.
So let’s take a look at the difference between positive thinking and genuine positivity.
Positive people are often the ones who appear to have it all together. They seem always to find a way to make things work. They always seem to have the energy and motivation to do what they need.
And while there are definitely benefits to being positive, there are drawbacks to being positive too.
If you want to understand the differences between positive and negative people, you’ll need to understand why each of them has the traits they do.
Positive people don’t think negatively. They don’t see problems everywhere. They don’t expect failure to happen every single time. Instead, they focus on being grateful for everything they have and on getting even better and better at what they do.
It’s easy to see what kind of people do this, but sometimes it can be tough for people who don’t do that to see that. If you’re one of those people, read on to discover some things to look for in others that tell you whether they’re positive.
If you see that they think negatively, they’re probably not positive. They’re focusing on the negative side of things and seeing problems everywhere. For example, you might think that you have a hard day at work, and then you come home, and your family is fighting. You’re already having a bad day, and that’s adding to the stress.
Then, you focus on all the other things you could do to fix the situation. You’re thinking about all of your problems, and you’re just expecting to fail at everything you do. You’re not expecting to succeed.
Instead, you should be focused on being positive and seeing what you can do to improve your current work. You should focus on what you’re grateful for and see the positive side of things. You’re not always going to get things perfect, but you can always get better and better each day.
You shouldn’t just focus on what you’re doing wrong, but you should also see what you’re doing right. Even if you’re not a very good cook, you can still be grateful for the fact that you can eat dinner tonight, and you can appreciate that even if you’re not perfect.
It’s not a matter of not thinking negatively but rather thinking positively. Think of yourself as a positive person and see the good in everything that you do. Don’t expect things to work out perfectly, but don’t be upset when they don’t, either.
The key to becoming a positive person and feeling good about yourself is to eliminate all the negative thoughts you allow yourself to think about yourself.
Sometimes, you might find it difficult to do, but you can easily learn to control your thinking. It’s much easier to think positively rather than negatively, so you need to be mindful of what you’re thinking about yourself.
One thing you can do is change the way you think about things that happen to you. When something negative happens, rather than saying to yourself, “I’m a loser” or “this person is mistreating me,” you can try thinking of it as “I’m a winner,” “this person is treating me nicely,” “I’m a good person,” or something else like that.
At the moment when these thoughts come up, you can just think back on them and realize that they’re not true. These thoughts are the exact opposite of what you really are, and you don’t need to believe them because they’re only thoughts in your head.
The more you do this, the more you’ll get used to thinking positively about yourself and your achievements, and the more you’ll be able to control your thoughts and feelings. You won’t feel like a failure all the time, and you’ll be able to stop yourself from falling into negativity.
Another thing you can do to be positive is to be active, even when you feel like you’re not in the mood. You’ll find that you’ll be more positive and happier when you’re doing things you enjoy, whether watching television, playing a video game, or reading a book.
It’s okay not to feel like doing anything, but you can easily make up for it by doing something that makes you happy. Doing things you love can give you a much bigger boost than you might think, and it’s important to make sure that you don’t let your feelings of boredom get the better of you.
No matter what you’re doing, if you’re not positive, you’ll end up with no motivation or drive to keep doing it. That can make it very difficult to succeed in anything since if you’re not motivated, there’s little chance of you being productive.
When it comes to being productive, the biggest factor is whether you’re motivated or not. You can only be productive when you’re motivated to do what you’re doing, and you can only be motivated to do what you want to do when you’re positive.
Successful people are all positive and optimistic. They have a positive attitude that keeps them going even when the odds seem to be against them.
If you’re not positive, then you can’t expect yourself to be productive. You won’t have any confidence in yourself, and you’ll start to doubt yourself before you even get started. You might even start to worry about the fact that you’re not even doing what you’re supposed to be doing.
That’s not going to help you be productive or keep yourself motivated. Instead, you’ll just get yourself discouraged and demotivated, which is something that will only lead to failure.
How do you become a positive person? First and foremost, you need to start acting and feeling more positive. You might find that you feel negative about things you’re currently doing, but that’s not going to help you be more productive. Instead, you need to act more positively and start thinking more positively.
It’s much easier to think positively than it is to act negatively. You’ll get more done if you start to think more positively. You can do this by being more enthusiastic about your actions and keeping a positive attitude about them.
It’s also helpful to surround yourself with positive people. Having positive people around you makes it a lot easier to have a positive attitude and feel more energized.
Positive people don’t dwell on the negative things that happen but rather focus on the positive side of things. Being positive makes you more productive since you’re not worrying about the negative aspects of what you’re doing but instead are only thinking about the positive ones.
It’s not just a mental thing, though. It can affect your behavior as well. If you’re a positive person, you’re naturally going to be a more pleasant person to be around. It’s also easier to stay focused and get things done when you’re having a positive outlook.
Being a positive person also makes you happier. You’ll be much more motivated to do things.
Interesting Things to Know
The Mystical Origins of “Abracadabra”: A Journey Through Time and Magic
Imagine a neighborhood kid performing magic tricks for younger children. The kid magician might use the word “abracadabra” to amaze the crowd, unknowingly invoking a word steeped in ancient history and magic. This iconic term, which dates back more than 1,800 years, was first recorded by Quintus Serenus Sammonicus, a Roman nobleman, tutor, and medical writer.
In the second century A.D., Sammonicus wrote “Liber Medicinalis” (Book of Medicine), a medical poem in which he recommended “abracadabra” as a remedy for fever. He advised writing the word on parchment, arranging it in a downward-pointing triangle, with each subsequent line shorter than the previous one until only a single letter remained. The parchment would then be worn around the neck of the sick person. This unusual remedy was widely used, as evidenced by numerous papyrus fragments discovered over the years bearing the magic word.
Despite its ancient origins, the meaning of “abracadabra” remains a topic of debate. One theory is that it derives from the Hebrew phrase “ebrah k’dabri,” meaning “I create as I speak.” Another suggests it comes from “ha brachah dabarah,” meaning “name of the blessed.” Regardless of its exact meaning, “abracadabra” has been associated with magic and healing for centuries.
The word also found its way into modern literature. In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the forbidden killing curse “avada kedavra” is similar to “abracadabra” and translates from Aramaic as “the thing that must be destroyed.” This demonstrates how ancient and modern magic intersects, with “abracadabra” remaining an enduring symbol of the mystical and unknown.
Interesting Things to Know
The 1975 “No S” Roosevelt Dime: A Hidden Treasure Worth Half a Million Dollars
If someone offered you half a million dollars for a common dime, you might think they’re joking. However, this seemingly outlandish offer could be quite serious if the dime is a rare proof copy of the 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime. Only two of these extraordinary coins are known to exist, and one fetched a staggering $456,000 at auction in 2019.
Before you rush to check your coin jar, knowing you won’t find this treasure in your spare change is important. The “No S” dime refers to the fact that the mint mark, usually an ‘S’ for San Francisco, is missing. This dime is a proof coin, a specialized type with great detail encased in plastic and isn’t meant for general circulation.
While there is another 1975 “No S” Roosevelt dime, the flawless proof copy is worth a small fortune. The other version, while still rare, doesn’t hold nearly the same value. You might have a fortune in your pocket if you come across one of these elusive coins.
Interesting Things to Know
The Return of Communal Tables: A Revival of Tradition in Modern Dining
The dining scene embraces an old tradition with a modern twist as communal tables make a comeback in restaurants nationwide. From the bustling streets of New York, Chicago, and Boston to smaller cities, these large tables that seat multiple parties are becoming increasingly popular.
Historically, communal tables were the norm in European inns and dining halls until the 19th century, when private tables began to emerge, first in Paris. Despite this shift in the West, communal seating continued to thrive in places like Japan and other parts of Asia. Today, as society grapples with the digital age’s isolating effects, these tables are reappearing in restaurants as spaces that foster social interaction and community building.
Sitting anywhere from 8 to 16 diners, communal tables are a nod to bygone eras and a smart business strategy for restaurateurs. They maximize seating capacity and provide a flexible option for accommodating larger groups, which might require complex arrangements of smaller tables.
For guests, the experience of dining at a communal table can be a leap out of their comfort zones. Yet, many find it a refreshing opportunity to engage with new people, turning what could be a simple meal into a memorable social event. The concept encourages diners to connect in an increasingly rare way in our screen-dominated lives, offering a chance to meet friends you never knew you had.
Whether you’re dining alone, with friends, or looking to make new ones, communal tables offer a unique culinary and social experience that combines the charm of historical dining practices with the dynamic needs of modern life. So next time you’re out, consider choosing the communal table—it might transform your dining experience.
Interesting Things to Know
Celebrity May Birthdays!
Do you share a birthday with a celebrity?
Roma Downey, 60, actress (Touched by an Angel), Derry, Northern Ireland, 1964. Photo by Salvation Army USA West – JG1_7228, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47458719
1 – Judy Collins, 85, singer, Seattle, WA, 1939.
2 – Jenna Von Oy, 47, actress (Blossom), Newtown, CT, 1977.
3 – Engelbert Humperdinck, 88, singer, born Gerry Dorsey, Madras, India, 1936.
4 – David Guterson, 68, author (Snow Falling on Cedars), Seattle, WA, 1956.
5 – Henry Cavill, 41, actor (The Tudors), Jersey, Channel Islands, U.K., 1983.
6 – Roma Downey, 60, actress (Touched by an Angel), Derry, Northern Ireland, 1964.
7 – Peter Carey, 81, author (Oscar and Lucinda), born Bacchus Marsh, Australia, 1943.
8 – Stephen Amell, 43, actor (Arrow), Toronto, ON, Canada, 1981.
9 – Billy Joel, 75, singer, composer, born Hicksville, NY, 1949.
10 – Jason Brooks, 58, actor (Days of Our Lives), Colorado Springs, CO, 1966.
11 – Matt Leinart, 41, sports analyst, former football player, 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, Santa Ana, CA, 1983.
12 – Bruce Boxleitner, 73, actor (Babylon 5), Elgin, IL, 1951.
13 – Julianne Phillips, 62, actress (Allie & Me), Lake Oswego, OR, 1962.
14 – Mark Zuckerberg, 40, founder of Facebook, White Plains, NY, 1984.
15 – Chazz Palminteri, 73, actor (A Bronx Tale), playwright, the Bronx, NY, 1952.
16 – Pierce Brosnan, 71, actor (Remington Steele), County Meath, Ireland, 1953.
17 – Sendhil Ramamurthy, 50, actor (Heroes), Chicago, IL, 1974.
18 – James Stephens, 73, actor (The Paper Chase), Mount Kisco, NY, 1951.
19 – Lainey Wilson, 32, singer, Basken, LA., 1992,
20 – Timothy Olyphant, 56, actor (Justified), Honolulu, HI, 1968.
21 – Sarah Ramos, 33, actress (Parenthood), Los Angeles, CA, 1991.
22 – Naomi Campbell, 54, model, actress (Empire), London, U.K., 1970.
23 – Jewel, 47, singer (Pieces of You), born Jewel Kilcher, Payson, UT, 1974.
24 – Bob Dylan, 83, Rock and Roll and Songwriters halls of fame composer, singer, born Robert Zimmerman, Duluth, MN, 1941.
25 – Cillian Murphy, 48, actor (Oppenheimer), Douglas, Ireland, 1976.
26 – Lenny Kravitz, 60, actor (The Hunger Games), singer, musician, songwriter, New York, NY, 1964.
27 – Richard Schiff, 69, actor (The West Wing), Bethesda, MD, 1955.
28 – Gladys Knight, 80, singer, Atlanta, GA, 1944.
29 – Carmelo Anthony, 40, basketball player, New York, NY, 1984.
30 – CeeLo Green, 49, singer, rapper, record producer, born Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, Atlanta, GA, 1975.
31 – Chris Elliott, 64, writer, comedian, New York, NY, 1960.
Interesting Things to Know
Crafting a Joyful Retirement Beyond the Finances
The financial aspect often takes center stage when the conversation turns to retirement. However, a critical component of retirement planning goes beyond the numbers: social connectivity. As careers wind down and the daily interactions of the workplace fade, maintaining relationships becomes a task that requires intention and effort. The importance of this aspect can’t be overstated, as highlighted by an extensive 85-year study by Harvard, which revealed that social fitness is paramount to achieving a happy retirement.
The study’s findings underscore that while retirees may not miss their former jobs, they deeply miss the social connections formed in the workplace. This suggests that a fulfilling retirement involves much more than pursuing hobbies or leisure activities; it hinges on the richness of our personal connections.
Psychologists Robert Waldinger, PhD, and Marc Schulz, PhD, emphasize the importance of nurturing these connections even before stepping into retirement. They encourage reflecting on the relationships that bring joy and fulfillment and taking steps to strengthen those bonds. Appreciating and valuing the people in our lives today lays the groundwork for a socially rich retirement tomorrow.
For those already in retirement and feeling a gap in their social lives, Waldinger and Schulz offer guiding questions to help identify what connections are missing and how to foster them. Whether reaching out to someone you’d like to know better, seeking out individuals with different perspectives, or even embarking on activities you never considered before retirement, the goal is to create a diverse and enriching social landscape.
Stanley Bing, a Forbes humorist, humorously suggested establishing a “daily grind” in retirement to appreciate the joy of vacations and advised maintaining a healthy distance from becoming too entangled in family members’ daily lives. His take, while humorous, underscores the idea that retirement should be a time of personal growth and exploration.
A happy retirement is multifaceted, encompassing financial stability, personal fulfillment, and, importantly, active engagement in a social network. Cultivating and maintaining these connections enriches our lives and ensures our retirement years are vibrant and joyful.
Interesting Things to Know
The Heist of the Century: How an Aging Mobster’s Quest for Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers Went Awry
In a tale that seems pulled straight from a Hollywood script, Terry Jon Martin’s life took a turn towards the criminal when he set his sights on one of the most iconic pieces of film memorabilia: the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. Unbeknownst to Martin, who grew up far removed from the movie’s cultural impact, the slippers’ true value lay not in precious stones but in their irreplaceable cinematic history.
After a tumultuous life of crime and multiple prison sentences, the last of which ended in 1996, Martin sought a fresh start in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This quiet town, coincidentally the birthplace of Judy Garland, hosts a museum dedicated to the actress, within which a pair of the famed ruby slippers were displayed. In 2005, driven by misinformation and the lure of what he believed to be a final, lucrative heist, Martin embarked on a daring smash-and-grab to claim the slippers, insured for a rumored million dollars.
However, the dream of a final big score quickly dissolved. Within days of the successful theft, Martin discovered the disappointing truth—the slippers’ “gems” were mere fakes, rendering the shoes nearly worthless on the black market. Discarding the slippers, he returned to his ordinary life, leaving the shoes hidden from the world.
The slippers’ disappearance remained a mystery until 2018 when they were recovered in an FBI sting operation. This closed a chapter on one of the most intriguing heists in film memorabilia history. Martin, now 76 and facing the end of his life in hospice care, confessed to his role in the theft in federal court last year. Due to his health and condition, he was spared prison and sentenced instead to supervised release for his remaining days.
It remains unclear whether Martin has ever watched the film that once inspired his criminal aspirations. What is certain, however, is that the legend of the ruby slippers—and the man who dared to steal them—will continue to captivate audiences, much like the movie that started it all.
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