Over the past few decades, “cultural diversity” has been a phrase adopted and thrown around by the masses, but what does it really mean?

Seriously, if you search that phrase on Google, nearly every article is about cultural diversity in the workplace.  One would think that the only value of cultural diversity had to do with improving company profits.

Or learning how to “play nicely” with others from different backgrounds or cultures when you’re at work – and embracing its value because it’s the “thing to do.”

Cultural Diversity beyond the Workplace

Taking a deeper look, when we choose to view the world through a new lens (with a 24/7 mindset) – one that embraces and celebrates our differences – we begin to truly understand the “oneness” of all people.  The concept sinks in and becomes a part of our very being.

Being curious, respectful and appreciative of other ethnicities, religious beliefs, politic affiliations, gender identification, and other differences adds immeasurable value to our lives when we are open to widening our scope of understanding.

Learning about and appreciating our differences does not mean that we need to adopt others’ beliefs, attitudes, affiliations, or cultural differences.

It simply expands our base of knowledge, stimulates thinking about our own culture and beliefs, and heightens our awareness.

Common Challenges

Here are some common reasons that embracing cultural diversity seems to be challenging for many people:

• Fearing the “unknown” – people, things, and experiences that are new and different
• Assuming people who are culturally different may try to convert you to adopt their views, beliefs or attitudes
• Being brought up in an environment in which respect for cultural differences was discouraged
• Feeling safer with experiences that fall within your typical comfort zone
• Approaching the idea from a place of “ego” and viewing others who are perhaps very different as inferior

It’s natural to be where we are based on our history and where our individual paths have led us thus far.

So you have a choice.  Do you really want to stay right where you are?

Or do you want to learn and grow and expand your understanding beyond your current realm of experience?

If you choose to embrace growth, become insatiably curious.  Explore.  Discover.  Engulf yourself in new adventures with a new lens of the world through different people, places, and experiences.

This will lead to a higher level of understanding about yourself and where you fit into the larger universal picture.

But if you’re not used to the idea of exploring beyond the people you typically experience, where do you start?

A Few Simple Ways to Begin Your Exploration

It can be easiest to begin your cultural diversity journey “behind the scenes,” by learning about other groups and cultures on your own at first, before connecting with individuals from cultures that are new to you.

In this way, you can get a feel for cultural differences and let those ideas sink in.  It also gives you some conversation material, as you can mention something you’ve seen or read as a spring board for dialogue about it.

You can learn a lot about different cultures most simply through their art and their food.

• Watch foreign or independent films about other cultures. Independent films are often character-driven and offer insights about how people within a culture interrelate, what their cultural priorities are, and ways of speaking.  You can find films about other ethnicities, as well as political affiliations, religious beliefs, gender identification, and other groups.
• Watching documentaries about a given culture or group can offer information about its history, beliefs, challenges, music, politics, and more.
• Similar to the above, read books about other groups and cultures.
• Learn about a culture’s food. When it comes to ethnicities, different cultures put differing emphasis on mealtimes and, often, sharing meals is a way of connecting in a meaningful way.

Next Steps

Once you’ve explored a bit on your own, start seeking out different groups to connect with.  Visit new places, even just within your community if it includes diverse populations.  Travel beyond your immediate area if opportunities to connect with diverse populations are limited in your own locale.

Or at the very least, be open-minded about meeting and conversing with new people in your everyday experiences.

Once you set an intent to explore life in this way with a new lens, you can expect the universe to bring new people into your awareness.

If you have trouble striking up conversations, bring a more extroverted friend or partner along with you and simply enjoy the conversations that unfold.

Keep in Mind

When connecting with others from different backgrounds…

• Ensure that your attitude is one of respectful curiosity and not judgement.
• Be aware of your body language and posture so that it’s open and inviting – not standoffish. (This goes for your overall energy, as well.)
• Ask questions (respectfully) and LISTEN to others’ responses with an open mind…with an intent to learn, understand, and connect.
• Ask more questions, and allow the conversation to flourish, exploring deeper topics along the way.

Just remember – we are all unique, yet we are all connected.  Truly, that’s what adds color, beauty, and intrigue to our lives.

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Giving 100% means you never have to walk away from a relationship, job, challenge, or goal with any regrets. These 3 approaches gift you with a game-winning plan for giving your all.

Learn to Say ‘No’

One of the most surprising aspects to giving your all is your ability to properly manage when you won’t give at all. Saying ‘No’ is the outside expression of an inner decision to take personal responsibility for living a life of abundance, passion, and purpose. When you begin to delete items from your to-do list that aren’t aligned with your aspirations, you open up quality time for the ones that are.

Here’s the great news: People who allow themselves to say ‘No’ to certain requests that take advantage of their good nature or limit their ability to get the work done on their objectives are much more likely to succeed.

The Ultimate Guide To Saying ‘No’

Learn to Show Up

Giving your best isn’t linear. There will be some days when you’ve committed to a project, event, or task and realize you’re overstressed, under the weather, or just not up to it that day. Showing up anyway indicates to those around you that even when you’re at you’re worst, you’ll try your best.

People who see that you’re consistent and serious about your goals are going to be more comfortable handing opportunities over to you because they know you’ll follow through. Yet showing up can be difficult, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable and are fearful of what people might think about you.

“Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy.” – Brene Brown

If you’re struggling with showing up for your relationships, work, health, or life goals, try these two success-boosting tools:

Join an accountability group

From NASA astronauts to world-class surgeons, people who have strong team support have been found to perform much better than those who go it alone.

Boost Your Success with Rewards

Neuroscientists have shown that your brain ‘lights up’ with feel-good chemicals when you reward yourself, and this signaling system also helps you to create new habits much more quickly.

Learn to Say ‘Yes’

Just as you can start to reduce the activities that aren’t supporting your goals, you can begin to increase the ones that do. This means having the courage to try new adventures and learn new skills. It also means that you’re setting yourself up for future opportunities that are in sync with your vision for your life.

Saying ‘Yes’ to the unknown can seem daunting, but it also expands your mind and helps you learn the skills that turn your dreams into reality.

“When we say ‘yes’, we are allowing our minds to create a reality, instead of allowing someone else to create it for us.” – Kwame Alexander

Don’t Ask For Permission To Be Great – Lisa Nichols

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Life is full of differing opinions and challenging situations that can lead to conflict and trigger feelings of anger, hostility, and animosity. These disagreements can leave you feeling unbalanced, and cause disharmony in your relationships. If someone creates anger in you, there are ways of moving forward. As 20^th century spiritual leader OSHO explains, a whole other outcome is possible when you decide to take a step back from conflict and simply watch what unfolds…

What To Do If Someone Creates Anger In You? Renowned  Spiritual Leader OSHO Explains…

“Remember that if somebody creates anger in you, tell the person that you will come after 24 hours to answer him.” – OSHO recounting mystic George Gurdjieff’s advice from his father

The Alchemy of Observation

What exactly does OSHO mean by this? On one level it’s easy to see that he was referring to a ‘cooling off’ period so that you don’t say anything from a space of anger, but instead from a more calm and balanced place.

Yet on a deeper level he was speaking of that inner shift which takes place when you move away from identifying with being your feelings and instead become the observer of them. That 24-hour period was meant to help you understand the lessons that your feelings are trying to teach you. By observing them, you can transform a conflict into a greater awareness of what needs healed in order to effectively move forward. The same principle applies in quantum physics: scientific experiments show that the observer affects the reality of what is being observed.

Using Emotions as Tools

Just as your thoughts are tools of your brain that help you get through your daily tasks, emotions can be tools of your soul that assist with bringing greater wisdom to situations. They are like your employees who work to help you better manage your personal relationships and life goals.

So how do you become a more effective boss of your own emotions?

Write Them Down

The key to this first step is to keep it simple. If anger is your primary emotion. Write ANGER on a post-it and stick this in a place where you’ll see it throughout the day. This keeps you focused on that first authentic reaction to the conflict and will ensure that you don’t stuff it back down or sidestep dealing with it.

Consider Why

Everyone has different reasons for their stressors and triggers. For example, if you just got a haircut and your partner fails to notice, maybe you are angry because you feel neglected. On the other hand, it may be that you’re feeling unsure of your updated look and simply wanted some validation. The outcomes of what needs adjusted in your life would look very different for each of these two scenarios. This is why it’s important to step back and observe the reasons behind each feeling.

Take a Step in the Right Direction

Now that you have a better grasp on your reasons why. If someone creates anger in you, you can brainstorm a few ideas that you can take to make the situation better. For instance, if your anger stemmed from feeling neglected, jot down what you can do for yourself to feel more appreciated and loved, such as adding some self-care into your weekly routine.

Focusing on one small thing that you can do right now helps you take power back over the situation. Now, you are ready to revisit the conflict because no matter the outcome, you have solutions in place to help you positively change the underlying issues that led to your feelings. This allows you shift and uplift into greater happiness, joy, and abundance.

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Princess Diana 5 Life Lessons That Will Illuminate You & Most Moving Quotes

Princess Diana was a member of the British Royal Family and first in line of succession to the British throne. Lady Diana was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales and mother to Prince’s William and Harry.

Princess Diana rose to prominence in 1981 when her engagement to Prince Charles was announced. Lady Diana was widely celebrated for her charity work, including the International Campaign To Ban Landmines, she was president of London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for children, from 1989 until her passing.

She was a fierce advocate for people with HIV/AIDS raising awareness at a time when there was much stigma surrounding the disease. She had a profound impact on the public’s perception by spontaneously hugging a seven-year-old child with AIDS, During a tour of Harlem Hospital Center. At the time of her death, Gavin Hart, of the National AIDS Trust, told the BBC: “In our opinion, Diana was the foremost ambassador for AIDS awareness on the planet and no one can fill her shoes in terms of the work she did.”

The amount of charity work Lady Diana was involved in was stunning. At one point being president or patron of well over 100 charities. It is no wonder that when she died in a car crash, in a Paris tunnel on 31st August 1997. What ensued was the most extensive media coverage in modern human history, which enveloped every TV channel for weeks on end.

Princess Diana truly illuminated the world with her presence and brought about so much positive change that the whole world was grateful. With Princess Diana’s 5 Life Lessons we hope to remember the life of an extraordinary woman and remind people just how much positive change one person is capable of.

“The worst illness of our time is that so many people have to suffer from never being loved.”

“Two things stand like stone – Kindness in another’s trouble – courage in your own”

“HIV does not make people dangerous to know. You can shake their hands and give them hug heaven knows they need it”

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward. Safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”

“I like to be a free spirit. Some don’t like that, but that’s the way I am.”

“Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.”

“Only do what your heart tells you.”

“Hugs can do great amounts of good – especially for children.”

“The greatest problem in the world today is intolerance. Everyone is so intolerant of each other.”

“When you are happy you can forgive a great deal.”

“Anywhere I see suffering, that is where I want to be, doing what I can.”

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No matter where you are on the emotional scale we all have things to learn. Where do you rank for emotional intelligence? Do you exhibit any of these traits? See what you have in common with the emotionally intelligent.

7 Things Emotionally Intelligent People Avoid

They Don’t Allow Others To Control Their Emotions

People with a high emotional intelligence, while very sensitive to others thoughts and feelings, are aware of their own state of mind, maintaining control of their feelings at all times, no matter what people say to them. They don’t let other people change their state of mind; they keep a positive attitude regardless of any pressure they are under. Emotionally strong individuals have a resiliency about them, and bounce back quickly from rejection, betrayal, and other forms of negativity. Because they know that allowing negative thoughts to consume them will only extend the process of moving on. 

Don’t Waste Energy On Unnecessary Conflict

Emotionally intelligent people know that emotions are energy, They only get into heated discussions as a last resort when a strong explanation is necessary to explain their position or to change the course of what is taking place around them. Avoiding pointless conflict, preferring to speak to people in a direct and calm manner when resolving disputes, or discussing important issues. Because they know it’s more important to put that energy towards productivity.

They Do Not Gossip

People with high emotional intelligence understand how harmful gossip can be, and know that nothing good can come from it. They still enjoy discussing the dynamics of the relationships they are surrounded by, but in a constructive way as to understand the thought processes of those around them and how they can, in turn, contribute constructively. People that only seem to discuss destructive or petty matters will be avoided. Simply not having the energy for toxic conversation and superficial connections with people.

They Don’t Give In To Peer Pressure

Fierce independence is a common trait among the emotionally intelligent, they will not do something just because everyone else is, often going against the grain. They tend to look objectively at what the majority does and make their own decision on whether it is beneficial for them and then carve their own path.

They Don’t Seek Approval

If they want something, they go after it without feeling the need to consult others. They validate themselves, so they don’t require others to do it for them. While they respectfully listen to other peoples opinions, they don’t let others views form the basis for their life decisions. They know that as long as they approve of themselves, they can achieve whatever they desire.

They Can Say No

Their boundaries are well defined and are not afraid to say no in the face of a request. If they know that it will not serve them well. Which can be seen as rude by others who normally associate with more feeble individuals.

They Don’t Dismiss People Concerns Lightly

They have a deep understanding of how others feel, and try to put themselves in their shoes. People with high emotional intelligence don’t disregard how others feel; on the contrary, they actually want to decipher the feelings of others because they have such compassion for them. They want to understand their feelings on a deeper level, their psychology so that they can offer tailor-made advice towards the bigger picture rather than offer fleeting advice like “you will feel better soon.”

Are you, or do you know someone with high emotional intelligence? hopefully this will serve to increase your understanding of those interactions. Share your experiences in the comments section below.

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The Only Way Out Is Through: To Overcome Pain You Must Face It Head-On

I see you, you who shies away from hard topics, who trembles secretly in your room, fighting bravely against the pain, doing everything you can to keep moving without thinking about that. one. thing.

Your luggage loaded tall on your back, your fingers grasped tightly around each strap, unwilling to let each go.

You’ve been hurt, so deeply, and to face that hurt might sound a lot like too much for your heart to take?

You live in a culture where temporary relief is the most normal fix. You push your problems down deeper through ignoring, forget about your problems through drinking,  or avoid  people who will help you grow.

And yet every morning you wake up with the same problems, in the same spot, with the same hurt.

You will find you’ll carry around your pain whether you know it or not. But the weight of unaddressed hurts and issues can keep you stumbling through the same old patterns instead of learning to run free.

Oh friend, pushing down hinders, not helps. And pushing through heals, instead of prolongs the hurt.

But a wound that remains with only a bandaid over it will soon become infected every time it’s touched, until it’s properly taken care of.

We can’t be afraid to feel our pain.

Because in retrospect, we’re actually feeling more pain carrying our heavy luggage year after year.

Taking proper care of our wounds involves stinging and burning, but this cleansing takes us faster to healing.

That tunnel in front of you…daunting doesn’t seem to cover it, I know too well.

Addressing your pain sounds like the most painful action, and it’s much easier to walk away…but don’t mistake easy for worthwhile…

We must walk through instead of walking away, because walking through is really walking towards the light. The dark tunnel won’t ever disappear if we are not willing to power through it.

But the thing that all thrivers will tell you, is that they buckled down and worked hard while they were still surviving.

It’s the hard and the hurt that drives us away, but those are the very things that will also drive us towards success.

Oftentimes the healthiest thing for us to do is to sit in our pain for a while, and become aware of every aspect of it—the sources, the effects, the feelings—because this will help us learn most about who we are at our core when our world is shaken, Who we are trusting in, and what we are placing our identity in. Those who use avoidance when it comes to their deepest pains are the ones who are unknowingly avoiding the best opportunity to grow and develop.

It is from our darkest times that we develop into the brightest beings.

This is not a path towards no pain, but it can definitely be a path towards understanding and less pain. The load of baggage we carry, once unpacked, can take on the much smaller size of a knapsack, and then our hands are free to fill our lives with the things we want, rather than hold on to the things we don’t want.

Don’t fear the feeling of your pain. It is hard and it is so heavy but it is the most necessary thing we can do.

And the more there is, the more it can be used to help others. Deep pain often leads to deep connection with others once we’ve walked out the other side.

So sit for a little, feel your pain, then get up and walk through it.

Take time to unload each aspect of your baggage. Walk through your tunnel. The light is waiting, and I promise it will get brighter.

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12 Ellen Degeneres Quotes That Will Help You Think Differently

Ellen Degeneres is one of America’s most well-known comedians and has her own award-winning talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She is also a famous actor and award host who even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama. Her creative contribution to society has been immense and is role model for so many people around the world.

Check out these Ellen Degeneres quotes to help you think differently and believe in yourself.

“We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that.” – Ellen Degeneres Quotes

Always be a beacon for happiness, gratitude, and joy. You will always be rewarded for your positive contribution to the world.

“It is failure that gives you the proper perspective on success.” 

Quit looking at failures as a negative event and start using them as learning moments. The more you fail the more you will succeed in the future.

“Embrace who you are. Literally. Hug yourself. Accept who you are.”  – Ellen Degeneres Quotes

Don’t get caught up trying to impress others. If you love yourself first you will do more good for the rest of the world.

“It’s funny how the universe guides you to where you’re meant to be. I wanted to make people happy.” 

Follow your intuition and gut, they are almost never wrong.

“Though you feel like your not where you’re supposed to be, you shouldn’t worry because the next turn you take, it will lead you to where you wanna go.” 

Everything in life is temporary. Stop worrying about the small stuff and start focusing on the big picture.

“I get those fleeting, beautiful moments of inner peace and stillness – and then the other 23 hours and 45 minutes of the day, I’m a human trying to make it through in this world.”  – Ellen Degeneres Quotes

Even successful people like Ellen have doubts, insecurities, and tough moments. No one has a perfect life all the time.

“I learned compassion from being discriminated against. Everything bad that’s ever happened to me has taught me compassion.” – Ellen Degeneres

Anything that you view as negative can always be reversed into a positive. It is up to you find the silver lining in any situation.

“I believe we’re all put on this planet for a purpose, and we all have a different purpose.” 

Focus on you, don’t waste your time trying to be like anyone else.

“My point is, life is about balance. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The pina and the colada.”

Learn to celebrate the wins, get over losses quickly, and keep going forward.

“We’re all supposed to be different. I want so badly to encourage everyone to say, ‘who am I and how do I want to live my life?”

With the distractions of social media, it is easy to get caught up trying to be like someone else. Instead, ask yourself questions to figure out who you are and what you want to be in your life.

“I’m grateful for everything. I’m grateful for my health, and I’m so grateful for the love in my life.” – Ellen Degeneres Quotes

Choose to live your life with an attitude of gratitude as it will welcome more into your life.

“When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail and both are equally important.” 

The biggest risks in life are not taking any. Stop thinking how bad it might be and focus on how good it could end up.

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5 Reasons Being A Highly Sensitive Person is A Strength

“Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn”. – Marianne Williamson

A highly sensitive person feels everything so deeply that it’s hard for them to live in high-stimulation environments. They reflect on things quite often and gain deep insights on a myriad of things. This sensitivity, however, is not necessarily a weakness.

Social conditioning tells people that they should be tough, and being emotional is a weakness. But if we look closer, everything – from business to relationships – is fueled by emotions.

In the business world, it is often said that the customer doesn’t buy the product, they buy “feelings”, how the whole experience “felt”. In relationships, the depth and breadth of emotions that we share with each other lead to meaning, and trust.

Therefore, being emotional or sensitive is not only healthy, it is actually a huge strength. Here are five reasons why being sensitive is a strength.

1. It Makes You Emotionally Aware

Highly sensitive people are deeply aware of their inner world as well as the outer world. The Pulitzer Prize winning writer Pearl Buck once said,

“The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive. To him… a touch is a blow, a sound is a noise, a misfortune is a tragedy, a joy is an ecstasy, a friend is a lover, a lover is a god, and failure is death.”

This is indeed true. A highly sensitive person is aware of what makes people tick because they are extremely good observers. Moreover, they are deeply in touch with their own emotions. This self-awareness combined with social awareness makes them uniquely talented for many areas in life where they need to find creative solutions or influence people with their insightful ideas.

2. It Fills You With Passion

Because a highly sensitive person has a rich inner world, it is hard for them to get involved in superficial things that don’t appeal to them. For example, when talking about something unappealing to them, they will sound monotonous and boring.

But when something really catches their fancy, they give it their heart and soul, and exceed the expectations of others. They give it so much attention as if they’re possessed by that single subject or idea.

3. It Fuels You With Creativity

In their sensitivity and vulnerability lies the foundation of their creativity. Because their sense of perception is so enhanced, they are able to see patterns where others can’t, and this makes them the most creative of all.

For example, many musicians, like Jewel who suffered from anxiety and panic attacks once, have spoken about their ability to “see” the different levels of sounds as a combination of colors floating in the air.

Also, studies have shown that high sensitivity is related to spirituality, intuition, mystical experiences, and connection to art and nature.

4. It Gives You Depth of Emotion

A highly sensitive person feels everything deeply. When they’re sad, they’re dying inside and when they’re happy, they’re bursting out with joy. The only downside is that they feel negative emotions as strongly as the positive ones and hence they need time to recharge on a daily basis.

Their ability to have deep emotions makes them the perfect people to talk to. They can mesmerize us with their capacity to have meaningful conversations. So if you’re a highly sensitive person, you have the gift to connect with others on a much deeper level than anyone else.

5. It Gives You Empathy

A highly sensitive person is able to perceive what others are feeling. If others change moods, even slightly, they are able to notice it. They take in every bit of information in the conversation – facial expression, voice intonations, body language, etc.

They not only know what you’re feeling, they are able to “feel” it themselves too. That’s why they become good listeners in the relationship because they not only hear the words but also the feelings hidden underneath.

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