Author: anwaryusef

Anwar Y. Dunbar is a Regulatory Scientist. Being a naturally curious person, he is also a student of all things. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Biology from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). Prior to starting the Big Words Blog Site, Anwar published and contributed to numerous research articles in competitive scientific journals reporting on his research from graduate school and postdoctoral years. After falling in love with writing, he contributed to the now defunct Examiner.com, and the Edvocate where he regularly wrote about: Education-related stories/topics, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Financial Literacy; as well as conducted interviews with notable individuals such as actor and author Hill Harper. Having many influences, one of his most notable heroes is author, intellectual and speaker, Malcolm Gladwell, author of books including Outliers and David and Goliath. Anwar has his hands in many, many activities. In addition to writing, Anwar actively mentors youth, works to spread awareness of STEM careers, serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the David M. Brown Arlington Planetarium, serves as Treasurer for the JCSU Washington, DC Alumni Chapter, and is active in the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church. He also tutors in the subjects of biology, chemistry and physics. Along with his multi-talented older brother Amahl Dunbar (designer of the Big Words logos, inventor and a plethora of other things), Anwar is a “Fanboy” and really enjoys Science-Fiction and Superhero movies including but not restricted to Captain America Civil War, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Prometheus. He is a proud native of Buffalo, NY.

Genius Tax Hacks for Individuals and Small Business

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“When you’re navigating the tax world it’s not just about what you earn. it’s about what you get to keep.”

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Two focuses of blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Business/Entrepreneurship. When you’re running a business not matter the size, navigating taxes is a huge consideration. Understanding taxes can thus make a huge difference. The following contributed post is entitled, Genius Tax Hacks for Individuals and Small Business.

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Image Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels

You know what’s essential for success? Understanding your tax situation. In this guide we’re diving into five strategies that can help you keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket whether you’re an individual or a small business owner.

Know Your Tax Bracket Inside Out

When you’re navigating the tax world it’s not just about what you earn. it’s about what you get to keep. Tax brackets determine how much of your income goes to taxes so having a handle on your specific bracket is key to managing your tax responsibilities effectively.

The Art of Deduction Discovery

Tax deductions are like hidden gems in the tax code and they work by reducing your income which in turn reduces your tax bill. While you might know about common deductions like mortgage and charitable contributions there are plenty more tailored to your unique circumstances. Consider seeking advice from tax experts like Marlow Accounting to make the most of them.

Dance with Tax Credits

Believe it or not, tax credits are your secret weapon for improving your financial situation. They do more than just trim your taxable income – they work like magic, directly slashing your tax bill dollar for dollar, leaving you with more green in your wallet. Check out the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – they’re like MVPs in this field, offering benefits for parents and hardworking individuals. So, dive into these options, claim what you’re eligible for, and watch your tax bills shrink as your savings grow. It’s like having the power to hold onto more of your hard-earned money.

Tax-Savvy Investments

Investing isn’t just about growing your wealth; it’s about protecting it from the taxman. Take capital gains tax, for example – it kicks in when you sell assets like stocks or real estate for a profit. Opting for long-term investments can lead to lower capital gains tax rates over time. Plus, saving for retirement through tax accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s comes with tax advantages. By making informed investment choices and effectively managing your assets, you can set yourself up for a brighter financial future while lightening the tax load along the way.

Harness Property Perks

Did you know your passion for wildlife can directly translate into tax savings? Enter the wildlife exemption—a clever and environmentally friendly way to reduce property taxes while promoting conservation. Particularly appealing in places like Texas, this exemption rewards landowners who dedicate their property to activities benefiting native wildlife. Whether you’re cultivating habitats, managing invasive species, or protecting endangered plants, leveraging a wildlife exemption can significantly ease your tax burden while aligning your financial goals with meaningful conservation efforts.

Tax Law Mastery

Staying up to date is key because tax laws, famous for their complexity and constant changes, can impact your financial interests. These laws evolve over time due to various factors, like economic conditions, political decisions and public policies. Recent updates might have shaken things up, affecting elements like tax brackets, deductions and credits. Staying well-informed could mean consulting tax experts, subscribing to tax-focused newsletters or regularly checking government websites. The better you grasp the ins and outs of tax laws, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate them and make the most of the benefits they offer.

It’s worth speaking to the likes of lawyer Glen Frost to get a better understanding of tax law and liabilities that you might be responsible for.

Mastering the Art of Tax Savings

These pillars of tax-saving know-how can truly work wonders for your financial health. By understanding your tax bracket, making the most of deductions, using tax credits wisely, engaging in smart investment practices and staying updated on changes in tax laws, you’re taking charge of your financial well-being. You’re holding onto a bigger piece of your earnings and you’re paving the way for a secure and prosperous future.

Practical (and Peculiar): A Few Different Approaches to Relaxation

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Relaxation is a key component to our qualities of life. Understanding relaxation can in fact add years to your life. The following contributed post is entitled, Practical (and Peculiar): A Few Different Approaches to Relaxation.

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Source – CC0 License

We’re all in the pursuit of relaxation. However, so many people go down the traditional, well-worn paths. Meditation, yoga, or a good book are by no means ineffective, but it sometimes benefits an individual to venture into unconventional territories. So let’s show you some alternative approaches to relaxation.

CBD/THC

CBD/THCWhile CBD is touted for its calming effects, there are many people who feel they can’t unwind without the THC component, which is commonly found in marijuana. However, if you’re opting for the latter, you need to approach it with caution, considering the individual tolerance, potential side effects, and, of course, the legal implications that may warrant a cannabis lawyer.

Buteyko Breathing

A breath of fresh air when it comes to relaxation. Developed by Russian doctor Konstantin Buteyko, this is a breathing method that involves training your breathing patterns beyond the typical deep inhales and exhales. In fact, the emphasis lies on gentle nasal breathing and reducing the frequency of breaths, which will optimize oxygen intake and carbon dioxide levels in the body. In fact, carbon dioxide in a lower amount is actually essential to equalize the gasses in the bloodstream. This technique aims to improve respiratory efficiency, which can decrease stress responses and foster that sense of calm because it’s stimulating your vagus nerve. Incorporating this into a daily routine is a mindful approach to relaxation, and only a few minutes of consciously breathing as quietly as a mouse might make all the difference.

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, or to use its original Japanese term “Shinrin-yoku,” is a practice that involves immersing ourselves in a natural environment such as a forest. As opposed to traditional hiking or walking, forest bathing encourages slow, mindful connections with nature. Engaging in sensory experiences like inhaling the natural aromas and observing and listening to the forest can reduce stress and improve overall mood.

Laughter Yoga

We all know the importance of having a good laugh, and the practice of laughter yoga involves deep breathing techniques combined with the right measure of mirth. Unconventional, but there is a lot to be said for the benefits of laughing, such as triggering a greater sense of well-being. We all know how better we feel after laughing, and as a result, having tools that allow us to feel far more relaxed in ourselves like this will invariably have an impact not just on our well-being but our approach to life.

Cold Showers

The cold has long been a tool to help people with physical injuries, but cold showers can be an amazing way to inoculate ourselves from feelings of stress. What was once an unconventional approach is now widely touted as a cure-all for a number of different ailments from depression to fibromyalgia. Cold showers or cold exposure are believed to enhance resilience to stresses by activating the natural stress response mechanisms. The benefits of cold water include increased circulation, releasing endorphins, and reinvigorating the nervous system. Over time, regular exposure to stress like cold showers could contribute to increased tolerance and a greater sense of well-being as a result.

The Best Ways To Treat Yourself After An Accident

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Accidents of any kind can be life-threatening or life-altering. In addition to the medical treatment you receive, how you bounce back from them overall is critical. The following contributed post is entitled, The Best Ways To Treat Yourself After An Accident.

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Being involved in an accident is hard on both the body and brain. It’s why you need to treat yourself better than ever before during your period of recovery. From a bump on the head and a few bruises to internal damage and potentially lifelong trauma, going through recovery will always be a challenge. However, the more you’re kind to yourself, and do your best to work with the way you’re feeling, the easier this time is going to be. As such, here are some of the best ways to treat yourself after an accident and why they matter so much.

Pexels Image – CC0 Licence

With Compassion

Being compassionate to yourself is so important right now. An accident is going to make you think the worst for the foreseeable future, and could even allow you to slip into mental health troubles, like depression and insomnia.

But the more you’re kind to yourself, and the more you forgive yourself for the little things, the brighter this time is going to be. Reach out for help with being self compassionate if need be, but always remember the kindest words can come from within. You deserve a few of those right now!

Find Support

It’s hard to go through recovery on your own. No matter the level of injury you’re dealing with, make sure you reach out to someone who can help. No problem is too small. Say you’ve been in a car accident, you’ve gotten whiplash, and it certainly wasn’t your fault!

Talk to someone like an car accident lawyer, who can walk you through seeking out compensation and determining where you have a case. A good lawyer knows the emotional turmoil, alongside the need for legal support. If you don’t feel this when working together, look for someone who can really provide it.

By Following Doctor’s Orders

Doctors often know best! As such, make sure you follow their instructions for looking after yourself and your injuries over the next few months. If you ever stop to think ‘maybe I could skip those muscle building exercises this morning’, it’s the start of a slippery slope! Similarly, avoid the foods and drinks they advise against, make sure you spend a good amount of time on your feet, and if they tell you it’s best to spend as much time resting as you can, don’t push yourself back to work too soon!

Taking Your Time

Speaking of pushing yourself, taking your time is important when you’ve had an accident. You need to have a bit of ‘me time’ here, and that means focusing on you and what you can do. It’s not about getting back to making breakfast for the kids, or doing part time shifts at your job as soon as possible – this time is for you. Keep this in mind as you start to feel better.

Treating yourself right can be hard after an accident. You’ve been through something terrible, and that can rebound on your health. Use these tips to refocus.

6 Reasons To Consider Career Planning

Two key focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and General Education. As a professional, your education never stops but instead continues evolving. Depending upon what you’re looking to achieve, planning is critical. The following contributed post is entitled, 6 Reasons To Consider Career Planning.

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Career planning is about preparing yourself for the future job market. This is as vital as having a career itself. You should know who you want to be in the not-too-distant future, say five to ten years. Going to work every day without having a sense of direction could mean you lack a career plan, which can result in regrettable mistakes in the future. A clear career plan is a roadmap for making crucial decisions to excel and achieve financial stability. Here are some benefits of trying considering this process.

1. Self-development

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A career plan fosters self-development. It helps you stay disciplined, focused, and motivated to choose a good career path and stick to it. Developing these traits will pay off in the long run. Track your progress as you grow, and evaluate your career plan every six months to ensure it positions you to achieve your long-term professional goals.

2. Job contentment

These days, finding workers who are satisfied with their career path is hard. Unfortunately, career contentment can impact your physical and mental health and the quality of your work output. Developing a career plan that boosts your morale will help you discover your purpose and stay happy.

3. Retirement plans

Having a career plan doesn’t always mean you have to only look for your dream job. It’s more about facing the realities of the future. Many professionals understand that they can’t work for the rest of their lives. A career plan may help make investments or savings allocations toward a happy retirement. Admittedly, your journey may not start on a smooth journey; there may be setbacks here and there. However, the good news is that you can never go wrong by creating a career plan that ensures your retirement life will be easy.

4. Finding educational and learning opportunities

Your career plan can also help you discover further education and learning opportunities. Once you evaluate your career trajectory and identify things that are not working, you can take proactive steps, such as upgrading your resume. You can also determine where you need more education, which would mean getting more certifications, taking online courses, and seeking funding for higher education. Healthcare scholarship opportunities, for instance, can help remove financial barriers for those interested in the emergency medical services (EMS) field.

5. It gives you full control over your career

Several things in your career may be beyond your control, but career planning isn’t one of them. It gives you complete control over your professional life because only you can tell what’s good or bad for your career. Careers eat so much of your time. According to the HuffPost, people spend up to 13 years working and only 328 days socializing with friends. One big mistake you may not want to make is choosing a career path that gives you zero work-life balance.

6. Boost knowledge of career opportunities

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You will increase your knowledge of various career prospects as you plan your career. Although everyday life has become fast-paced and competitive, a solid career plan can give clarity to help prioritize professional objectives.

Budgeting 101: Tips for Creating a Realistic Budget

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“With a budget, you can predict your monthly spending habits and plan accordingly to cover your bills while having enough left over for existing debt payments or savings.”

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A key focus of my blog is Financial Literacy/Money. Budgeting is a critical component when managing money. While it can sound arduous and restraining to some people, it can actually be a lot of fun and a very powerful tool. The following guest post is entitled, Budgeting 101: Tips for Creating a Realistic Budget.

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Building a budget is the most effective way to manage your finances and prevent overspending. With a budget, you can predict your monthly spending habits and plan accordingly to cover your bills while having enough left over for existing debt payments or savings. Unfortunately, many people don’t budget and spend more than they earn without realizing it. If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and been shocked to see how much you spent in a month, you need a budget that provides you with a clear action plan for spending your money every month. Here are a few tips for creating a realistic budget:

Know Your Monthly Income

Most people know their salaries or how much they earn per hour. However, they don’t look at their pay stubs to determine how much money they bring home after taxes. Your net income is crucial when building a budget because it tells you exactly how much money is deposited into your bank account each month, and knowing exactly what you bring home can help you determine how much money you have on hand.

If you have a W-2 job, finding this information should be easy. You should receive digital or paper pay stubs from your employer for each pay period that tells you your take-home pay. However, taxes aren’t taken from your income if you’re a freelancer or small business owner. Therefore, you may have to do additional math to determine how much you take home after taxes. You can talk to your accountant to determine your tax bracket and self-employment tax based on how much you make during the month.

Add Up Your Expenses

There are two types of expenses: fixed and variable. Your fixed expenses are what you spend money on every month, and the amount you spend doesn’t change. For example, your rent payments will stay the same for 12 months if you’ve signed a one-year lease. In contrast, your variable expenses are the costs that change from month to month, such as credit card payments, utility bills, and groceries.

Determining your fixed expenses is easy because you know exactly how much you spend every month. However, calculating your variable costs is much more challenging, especially if you use multiple credit and debit cards to pay for them. First, review your bank statements to find your variable costs and add them up for 12 months. This value is how much you spend on variable expenses per year. Then, to get your monthly costs, divide that number by 12 to give you an average monthly value.

Allocate

Once you know your monthly expenses, subtract them from your net income to see how much you have left over after paying all your bills. Then, allocate the remaining amount into wants and savings. You can have multiple different goals and accounts to help you separate your funds and send money back and forth between them when necessary. For example, you might have a savings account dedicated to emergencies or funding a large purchase and a retirement account.

Set Goals

When allocating your budget, setting realistic goals for yourself is crucial. First, consider the reason why you want to save money. Maybe you want to purchase a house within the next ten years or go back to school. Or perhaps you want to diversify your portfolio with a precious metals IRA. Whatever the case, you have money goals, and it’s essential to build your budget around them.

Track and Monitor Progress

After creating your budget, you should continue monitoring your progress monthly and determine whether you’re holding yourself accountable. It’s easy to start a reasonable budget and fall behind again, so you should dedicate time every so often to tracking your progress, including your income and expenses, to help you plan.

Tracking your progress can also enable you to re-evaluate your goals. As you get older, your money goals might change. For example, if you decide to start a family, your goals might change from saving money for a new car to saving for a house. As your goals change, you must make changes to your budget and review your spending to ensure your habits won’t get in the way of achieving those goals.

Review Expenses Regularly

When creating a budget, you should understand your expenses and where all your money goes. However, things change over time, so you may get new bills or pay off old debts, which will impact how much money you spend throughout the month. Therefore, plan to review your monthly expenses to determine improvement areas. For example, if you’ve noticed you’ve been spending a lot of money on eating out in the last few months, make a conscious effort to cook at home more often and check back to see how much money you’ve saved over time.

Try to lower any fixed expenses, such as car or payday loans. You can also find more affordable plans for internet and cable or various streaming services to help you save a few bucks every month and instead put that money towards your savings account.

Unfortunately, you can’t eliminate all of your expenses. However, you can make lifestyle changes, such as canceling unused subscriptions and memberships, to help you save more every month.

Increase Your Income

If you can’t reduce your expenses, you can increase your income. The easiest way to earn more money is to ask your boss for a raise. While this can be intimidating, it may also be necessary depending on the cost of living and your skillset. That said, you should only ask for a raise if you know you truly deserve it. Unfortunately, not everyone’s boss will give them a raise, so those individuals may have to search for other employment opportunities or work second jobs to increase their income.

Hold Yourself Accountable

A budget is just a list of numbers; it’s up to you to hold yourself accountable and stick to it. Managing your wants can help you save money over time, so review your bank statements to see if there are any categories where you’re overspending, such as entertainment or nights out on the town. Holding yourself accountable by ensuring you continue to review your budget, bills, and expenses every month will prevent unnecessary overspending while ensuring you can still put some of your paycheck toward saving for the future.

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.

Maintaining Your Independence As You Get Older: A Guide For Seniors

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Progressing age is much different conceptually than it used to be. Many seniors are contemplating greater personal independence than in the past. The following contributed post is entitled, Maintaining Your Independence As You Get Older: A Guide For Seniors.

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Image – Pixabay (CC0)

Retirement is meant to deliver your truly golden years. However, getting older does change the body in several ways and subsequently brings several new challenges to our daily lives. Therefore, it’s imperative that you learn to adapt your lifestyle, particularly if you wish to maintain your independence.

Here are some of the key steps that should be taken to ensure a better quality of life can be maintained throughout later life.

Stay Healthy

Nothing in this life is more important than your health. While the aging process will naturally change your body, it’s imperative that you stay healthy. Keeping active will help maintain flexibility, as well as bone and muscle density. Meanwhile, staying hydrated and staying in control of your nutrition are both key factors. A healthier you is a happier you. Crucially, it’ll mean you are in a better position to take care of yourself in retirement.

You should also seek help if you have issues with your mobility, hearing, eyesight, or dexterity.

Find A Suitable Home

Most seniors who are in a position to live independently would rather do this than live in a nursing home. However, you may need to look for an affordable home that features some modified elements to make life more convenient. The Millennia Companies places a heavy focus on development for people like you. Supporting those developments and learning about units that may become available is advised.

You will spend more time at home than ever before during retirement. So, you must not overlook this step.

Accept Help

Maintaining an independent lifestyle needn’t mean ignoring support. We all need a helping hand from time to time. Frankly, gaining a little assistance in certain aspects of life courtesy of in-home care services can open the door to greater freedom. Whether you need daily or weekly visits doesn’t matter. This support will save you from a lot of stress, as well as potentially risky situations.

Better still, you will notice that this allows you to spend more time enjoying your independence and the tasks you love.

Get Your Finances Under Control

The harsh reality is that getting used to reduced revenue is hard. For many, it is the most challenging and stressful part of retirement. If you have savings, making them work harder through investments can work wonders. Crucially, though, you should find ways to reduce your expenses by cutting out unnecessary waste. Experts like Senior Services of America can help you discover entitlements too. Embrace it.

When your finances are under control, it will lift a weight of stress off of your shoulders. This will encourage a better quality of life.

Be Ready To Learn

Finally, if you wish to stay independent in retirement, you must be willing to adapt. You are already tech literate. So, if you’re not already using online banking or telehealth services, now is the time to learn about them. Meanwhile, developing skills that can help you out around the home can have a big impact. Being open to new hobbies and social activities should be on the agenda too.

When combined with the other steps mentioned above, the rewards will be immediately seen. Truly golden years await.

Becoming a Homeowner Without Being a High Earner

A key focus of my blog is Money/Financial Literacy. The most significant financial purchase many people will make is that of buying a home. It can be done without being what’s considered a high earner though. The following contributed post is entitled, Becoming a Homeowner Without Being a High Earner.

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Credit – Pixabay CC0 License

Let’s not kid ourselves; becoming a homeowner is a financial priority shared by most people. While I personally think renting can be great for young adults who might not wish to settle down just yet, the benefits of buying a home are huge. The property will become your biggest asset and it also gives you the freedom to decorate without asking your landlord. You will also remove the threat of being replaced by another tenant.

As my good pal Mike loves to state too: “It’s better to pay your mortgage than someone else’s”. But the current housing market is particularly tough, making it hard for first-time buyers and applicants who are not high earners. However, as Mike also likes to say: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Although I’m pretty sure he can thank Billy Ocean for that one. But I digress.

When looking to step onto the property ladder, it’s important to acknowledge it might not happen right away. It may take time to save for a downpayment, secure job stability, and find the right home. So, it’s important to take financial responsibility right away. Firstly, I would suggest researching any government schemes in your region. There are several that are designed to help first-time buyers and low-income applicants get on the ladder. They do vary between states and countries, but a little research should point you towards them.

Whether it’s free financial boosts to savings accounts or tax breaks, all forms of support are a step in the right direction. I would also suggest that you consider budgeting and improved money management. Avoiding unnecessary debts like store cards can be very useful too. Short-term sacrifices will often allow you to step onto the ladder sooner.

Credit – Pixabay CC0 License

Perhaps my best piece of advice, though, is to start looking for affordable housing. Developments like The Millennia Companies move at Cleveland’s Huntington Building are a great example. When homes are aimed to support affordable housing schemes, your hopes of securing a property with a lower income are improved. Meanwhile, some prospective homeowners should consider where they want to live. Some cities are more affordable than others. Also, neighborhoods based on the outskirts are usually more affordable than living in city centers.

Mortgage lending is influenced by your income as lenders use this to determine how much they are willing to lend you. With this in mind, joint mortgage applicants will be offered a bigger amount as long as you both have a solid income and have your debts under control. I would suggest that you use a mortgage calculator to test out the different options available to you. And, of course, you should not enter a commitment of this size unless you are 100% comfortable.

The great news about preparing for a mortgage application is that it teaches valuable financial habits too. For example, Experian credit score boosting will help you with all future credit agreements. Whether it’s car purchases or personal loans, this strengthens your finances. So, even if the home purchase doesn’t go to plan, you haven’t lost out.

Crucially, if you want to buy a home, now is the time to start the journey. The sooner you do, the sooner you can turn your dream into a reality.

Taking Care Of An Elderly Parent Without Hindering Your Life

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Each of us will age in this world. As we get older, so do our parents and they considerations for most of us. A major key is balancing everything. The following contributed post is entitled, Taking Care Of An Elderly Parent Without Hindering Your Life.

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Having elderly parents to care for can be a lot, especially if you have a full-time job and children. However, you will be the best person to manage their health and ensure they get the support they need.

Hence, here are some tips to help you care for an elderly parent in need without hindering your own life and commitments.

Photo by Steshka Willems: https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photo-of-man-3018993/

Consider assisted living spaces if you do not have space at home

If you do not have space to adapt your home for elderly parents, it is a good idea to consider putting them in an assisted living space where they attain support and you can rest assured they can be looked after.

Putting your loved ones in assisted senior community living will ensure that they can attain 24/7 assistance and be surrounded by people of their age, which will help them stay well and be sociable.

Visit them often

If you do not have the space to care for your parents in your own home and they do not wish to move to an assisted living space, it makes sense to visit them as often as you can.

Although you might have work and life commitments, if they do not live far away, you could go see them each morning before work. You could make them breakfast and spend 30 minutes with them before getting on with your day. Getting up a bit earlier to do this shouldn’t be an issue if it allows you to ensure they are okay.

They will appreciate it, and it means you can keep an eye on them while they happily live in the comfort of their own home.

Hire caregivers

If you cannot attend to your parents all day in their house due to work commitments, it is a wise idea to hire caregivers.

Caregivers can live with their parents to offer endless support if they need it. If they do not need it but can benefit from caregivers, you can book them to visit your parents several times a day to help with daily chores and meals.

Be patient

Taking care of an elderly loved one can test your patience, which is likely due to not wanting to accept that they need help. Throughout the entirety of your life, you might have known them as being strong and supportive. However, they might not be capable anymore, and they cannot help it; it is just a part of life.

Therefore, it is important to be patient with them and accept what is happening. This will make the care process a lot easier for you both. You will be able to give them the support they need and maintain a good relationship if you are calm and patient regarding their needs.

Be sure to utilize these tips if you have an elderly parent who requires help due to their age or a health condition. It will make your life easier and ensure they are getting the support they need.

The Truth About Why Spirituality Is No Longer Tied To The Church

A key focus of my blog is Health/Wellness. Spirituality is an important part of our personal health both individually and collectively. It has changed over the years though as have most things. The following contributed post is entitled, The Truth About Why Spirituality Is No Longer Tied To The Church.

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According to a recent Springtide study, as many as 73% of young people between the ages of 13-25 identify as spiritual. Yet, church attendance is lower in our younger generations than in any generation that’s come before them.

This is an odd discrepancy, and it highlights one pressing fact – young people simply don’t tie their spirituality to the church in the same ways that their parents and grandparents do.

With this in mind, something needs to change to keep spirituality alive in a modern audience. And, those changes will most likely come from considering the following reasons for the spirituality/church divide.

Reason 1: A new approach to worship

Young people with limited timeframes and a growing need for connection are increasingly finding alternative ways to make room for spirituality in their lives. This is a requirement that online sermons have been attempting to fulfill since the pandemic but, with just 13% of young people reporting a feeling of joy after an online sermon, further steps may also be necessary.

Church-led community initiatives and college-based religious representatives seem to be especially effective in this sense. A focus on personal connections forged with one key religious leader, rather than entire congregations, also seems to help young people feel more supported, and more impassioned in their religious practices.

Reason 2: The age divide

65% of people aged 65 or over attend weekly church sermons. Churches, therefore, face the challenge of appealing to older audiences and attracting a new generation.

This can be a difficult balance to strike, and it’s one that many churches are failing to achieve. Luckily, priests like Father Adam Park are proof that this divide needn’t be as restrictive as it seems. Through a focus on appealing to both audiences, he’s managing to bring a whole new generation to his church. A similar approach, which respects tradition while also making way for the new, could see other churches enjoying similar levels of success.

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Reason 3: Changing institutions

It’s also important to note that age-old church-institutions like marriage are simply no longer as relevant to young people as they were to previous generations, and may even feel restrictive to individuals who continue to be left outside of these institutional practices.

Equally, far from requiring church groups and other internalized focuses that have traditionally worked alongside the institution, many young people are calling for the church to contribute towards modern concerns like climate change. And this needs to happen outside of institutional confines.

An ongoing shift to more inclusive marriage will perhaps be the biggest help here, but pastors and priests could also benefit from listening to the concerns of young people (which are largely led by environmental worries), as well as continuing to prioritize age-old church concerns like local charity.

The proof is out there – young people are still turning to spirituality in their droves. But only time will tell whether the church can continue to play the same role in that focus that it’s fulfilled for hundreds of years.

In Case You Missed It: Astrophysicists Authoritatively Weighing in on Endocrinology and Gender

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“A major question facing everyone is whether transitioned women should compete in sports with natural women. Is it fair to the natural women?”

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Science, Culture, Politics and Religion

I discuss numerous science- and technology-related topics on my YouTube channel entitled, Big Discussions76 Science and Technology. Science stories are all around us and in some instances, they overlap with culture, religion, and politics even when they should not. This is not a good thing, and this is the case with gender and now athletics. A major question facing everyone is whether transitioned women should compete in sports with natural women. Is it fair to the natural women?

Who Should Compete in Women’s Athletics?

Two famous individuals recently made headlines in this area. They are Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Martina Navratilova. Dr. Tyson is a world-renowned black astrophysicist and Navratilova is a legendary female tennis player who is lesbian. What is the intersection between the two? In this era of gender transitioning, many men of have transitioned to being women and are seeking to participate in women’s sports. As a result of their underlying biology, these transitioned women still have physical advantages over natural women in terms of speed and strength, allowing them relatively easy (sometimes brutal) victories in athletic competitions.

Factions Within a Larger Group?

Interestingly Dr. Tyson stepped out of the astrophysical world to advocate for this type of thing. The retired Navratilova courageously spoke out against Dr. Tyson and others regarding allowing transitioned women to compete with natural women. Regarding gender, the rainbow groups are typically lumped together in our modern culture. Navratilova’s position in all this interestingly shows that even lesbians still want to retain the biological lines separating natural men from women at least in the realm of athletics. These two figures and this whole discussion inspired me to create the livestream embedded below. It involves not just science, but also how it gets entrenched and intermingled in culture, politics and sometimes religion. If you watch the video, please give it a like and consider subscribing to my channel. Best regards.

The Big Words LLC Newsletter

For the next phase of my writing journey, I have started a monthly newsletter for my writing and video content creation company, the Big Words LLC. In it, I plan to share inspirational words, pieces from this blog and my first blog, and select videos from my four YouTube channels. Finally, I will share updates for my book project The Engineers: A Western New York Basketball Story. Your personal information and privacy will be protected. Click this link and register using the sign-up button at the bottom of the announcement. If there is some issue signing up using the link provided, you can also email me at bwllcnl@gmail.com . Best Regards.