FEAR

What do you fear? How does fear limit you? Does fear stop you from being all you can be or moving on with your life and business? Fear wears many "masks” - the fear of failing, fear of success, fear of rejection, fear of intimacy, fear of emotional pain, fear of being alone/abandoned, fear of the unknown. Fear can paralyze us, and make us doubt our abilities, even our worthiness. It can stop us from asking for what we want and even realizing what we truly value, need, and want in our lives.

False Evidence Appearing Real – Forget Everything and Run – Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway – What is Fear? A well-known quote might be helpful to remember when facing fear, "Fear knocked at the door, Faith answered, and no one was there."

FEAR

Fear doesn't live here anymore
Fear is gone, moved away or simply disappeared
I don't remember when fear first arrived
Fear it seems has always been
I forgot just why it came
Although I'm sure fear was invited
Maybe I was curious or just lonely
Something is better than nothing
Or so I believed
As time elapsed fear just became part of me
Comfortable because it was familiar
Funny how fear can become a comfort
Because I believed fear was a part of me
I never doubted fear
Fear simply was
I am older and wiser now
As I matured I began to question fear
"Why are you here?" I asked
"Why does fear exist?"
"Because I love you," fear said
"To protect you," fear replied
Fear is a lie
Like all lies I wanted to believe fear
I wanted Love - I wanted protection
Mostly, I wanted Not to be alone
Fear became my companion, my teacher & guide
Fear & I went everywhere together
Fear never failed me
I could always count on fear
But...fear could not make me happy
I want to be happy
So I had to make a choice
Fear doesn't live here anymore!

Celebrate World Emoji Day: From Pictograms to Global Icon

Do you know that there’s a world holiday celebrating an emoji? The definition of an emoji from Wikipedia is “a pictogram, logogram, ideogram, or smiley embedded in text and used in electronic messages and web pages.” 

The primary function of modern emoji is to fill in emotional cues otherwise missing from typed conversation as well as to replace words. 

In today’s text-fueled world, emojis have become our go-to for expressing feelings and spicing up conversations without ever saying a word. Emoji exist in various genres, including facial expressions, expressions, activity, food and drinks, celebrations, flags, objects, symbols, places, types of weather, animals and nature. But have you ever wondered where these cute little icons come from?

The word “emoji,” which originally meant “pictograph,” is derived from the Japanese words “e (浵, “picture”) + “moji” (文字, “character”); the English terms “emotion” and “emoticon” are merely coincidental. Japanese manufacturers of portable electronics produced the first emoji sets in the late 1980s and early 1990s. After Unicode started incorporating emoji into the Unicode Standard, emoji gained popularity all around the world in the 2010s. They are now regarded as being a significant component of Western and global popular culture. The Oxford Dictionaries 2015 Word of the Year was the emoji “Face with Tears of Joy” (see above).

The emoticon, which computer scientist Scott Fahlman introduced in 1982 and proposed might replace language with text-based symbols like 🙂 and :-(, was the inspiration behind the emoji. It was not until Japanese, American, and European corporations started developing Fahlman’s idea in the 1990s that it became a widely accepted concept. Scott Fahlman’s emoticons importantly used common alphabet symbols and aimed to replace language/text to express emotion, and for that reason are seen as the actual origin of emoticons.

Fast forward to today, and we have over 3,500 emojis available at our fingertips! Who knew a small, pixelated smiley face could turn into a global social phenomenon? Next time you send a playful wink or a thumbs-up, remember you’re participating in a rich, evolving history of visual storytelling.

Whether you’re all about the heart-eyes or always go for the traditional smiley, take a moment to consider how far it has come from its modest beginnings in Japan to being a worldwide language that unites us all. 

Enjoy your emoji-filled conversations, and Happy World Emoji Day, July 17, 2024!

Celebrate National Candy Month: Sweet Traditions, Timeless Delights, and Summer Fun

For all you candy lovers out there, this is the month to celebrate! June is National Candy Month, according to the National Confectioners Association. During National Candy Month, candy companies celebrate making exciting, authentic delights that they have been making for over a century.

This is a month to celebrate for many people, including those who enjoy chocolate, candies, gum, and mints, as well as others who recognize the significant economic benefits of a fun and responsible sector of a traditional American manufacturing success story.

The group claimed that “National Candy Month is a pivotal point in the treating calendar” for the $48 billion confectionery industry. It honors those who create America’s favorite confections and serves as a reminder that chocolate and candy make summertime activities—such as weekends, holidays, and vacations—sweeter.

According to the NCA, Americans consume candy and chocolate two to three times a week. Furthermore, 86% of travelers by car will pack chocolate and candies, 82% of family visitors will share delicacies, and 68% of beachgoers will bring their favorite treats with them.

Convenience stores have become the go-to destination for consumers seeking both traditional and innovative sweets, ever since the confectionery made its first appearance on their shelves.

John Downs, president and CEO of the NCA says, “As consumers savor the longer nights, warmer temperatures and relaxed schedules of the season, they will turn once again to chocolate and candy to enhance their favorite summer activities and commemorate cherished traditions.”

Spring into Action: Embracing the Outdoors at Any Age

Ah, Spring! That magical time of the year when nature shakes off its snowy blanket and blossoms into an explosion of colors. It’s as if the world is stretching its limbs after a long nap, and so should we. At Your Next Option, we believe it’s never too late to embrace the change of season and the outdoor adventures that come with it. Today, let’s chat about coming out of hibernation, enjoying the weather, and why your age is just a number when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities.

Spring offers a unique opportunity for everyone, regardless of age, to engage with nature and revive their spirits. The beauty of spring is not just in its visual splendor but in the myriad of ways it invites us to participate in life outdoors. From the simplest activities like walking in a dewy park at dawn to more organized events like community gardening, spring beckons us to step outside and breathe fresh life into our routine.

Breaking Down Age Barriers

First off, let’s tackle those pesky limiting beliefs about aging. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking certain activities are off-limits as we grow older. However, research continually shows that staying active physically can contribute significantly to our overall well-being, regardless of the number of candles on our birthday cake. Whether it’s a leisurely walk in the park, joining a community gardening project, or even something more adventurous like kayaking, the key is to move. Moving not only revitalizes the body but also sharpens the mind. So, why let a mere number dictate what you can and cannot do?

The benefits of staying active are well-documented, ranging from improved physical health to enhanced mental clarity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regular physical activity can help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease, increase longevity, and improve sleep quality. For older adults, engaging in regular exercise can also maintain independence and prevent falls. The good news? Outdoor activities provide a perfect platform for maintaining an active lifestyle, offering both gentle and strenuous options suited for every fitness level.

Connecting with Nature and Others

Engaging in outdoor activities is a splendid way to connect—with nature, with others, and, most importantly, with yourself. Nature has this incredible ability to soothe and heal, something we could all use a bit more of. Imagine the soft murmur of a nearby stream as you hike, the slight rustle of leaves with every step you take, or the warmth of the sun as you tend to a flower bed. These experiences can be deeply meditative and rejuvenating. Plus, joining clubs or groups focused on outdoor activities can open the door to new friendships and social connections, combating loneliness and isolation that some may feel in their golden years.

Outdoor adventures can also be a social affair, offering numerous opportunities for making new friends or even rekindling old acquaintances. Group hikes, bird watching clubs, or outdoor photography classes are great examples of how you can combine socializing with physical activity. Such group activities are not only enjoyable but are also key in building a supportive community that values active living.

Embracing New Challenges

For those who might be contemplating more challenging activities, spring is the ideal time to start. Kayaking, mountain biking, and rock climbing are excellent for those looking for a bit of adventure. These activities not only challenge the body but also engage the mind, providing a wholesome and invigorating experience.

Fear of trying something new can often be a barrier. However, many organizations offer beginner classes and are geared towards making outdoor activities accessible for all ages and skill levels. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and many have started their journeys later in life.

Tools and Tips for Success

To make the most of the outdoors this spring, consider the following tips:

• Start Slow: If you’re just getting out of a less active lifestyle, start with low-impact activities and gradually increase intensity.
• Safety First: Always ensure that you have the proper gear and that you prioritize your safety, especially in unfamiliar activities.
• Join a Group: Look for local clubs or groups that align with your interests. This could also be a great way to meet like-minded individuals.
• Consistency is Key: Try to incorporate small outdoor activities into your daily routine. Even 20 minutes a day can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

“Embracing the Outdoors at Any Age” is more than just a call to action; it’s a mindset. At Your Next Option, we encourage everyone to discard any self-imposed limits and enjoy the bountiful, rejuvenating, and inspiring nature of spring. Let this season be a reminder that life is out there waiting to be lived, no matter your age. So, lace up your boots, grab your hat, and step into the sunshine. The great outdoors is calling, and it’s time to answer.