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Most Celebrated Holidays Around the World in September

Posted on by Scott Larson

When September comes along, many people recognize Labor Day as being the most recognized and celebrated holiday for the month.

Did you know that another 130 global holidays exist during September? If you haven’t seen the world yet, then this list may just be the encouragement you need. If you’re ready to embrace a celebratory spirit, consider adding these days to your calendar!

Rosh Hashanah

This Jewish holiday is the first of the High Holy Days. It’s a two-day celebration that includes the sounding of the shofar. Families enjoy festive meals, with symbolic foods part of the tradition. You may see people eating honey-dipped apples as a way to promote the idea of a sweeter new year. Praying and reflection are part of the experience. 

Our Lady of Victories Day: Malta

This national holiday celebrates the lifting of the 16th century siege against the Turks. It also honors the 1800 capitulation by the French and the end of the Axis powers reign in 1943. You’ll see colorful boats rowing throughout the harbor during the afternoon, with traditional feasts held throughout the country. 

They also celebrate Independence Day on September 21 to honor their separation from the United Kingdom in 1964.

International Day of Peace: United Nations

World Peace Day is dedicated to the absence of violence and war. It was first celebrated in 1981, and many nations honor it with temporary ceasefires and battle cessation. Each year brings a new emphasis to the holiday, with 2019 being a time to create positive climate action.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

This holiday got its start in Albany, Oregon, in 1995. The Pastafarians observe it in a parodic way. It was first an inside joke, but it became more prominent when columnist Dave Barry wrote about it in 2002. It’s now celebrated internationally, even if most governments don’t give it a second thought.

Yom Kippur

This Jewish holiday sometimes falls in October, but it can have a late September date. It’s the holiest day of the year, with the central theme involving repentance and atonement. The traditional observation is to spend 25 hours in fasting and prayer.

Many countries have holidays during the month of September, but these selections are the most recognized. Which ones do you celebrate in your home?

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Places to Visit Around the World Before They’re Gone

Posted on by Scott Larson

One of the unique side effects of the coronavirus lockdowns is that pollution levels dropped dramatically. People could see mountains that hadn’t been visible for years. It created a new love of the outdoors and opportunities to travel.

When you can start flying to different destinations again, these are the places to visit before they disappear for good.

The Dead Sea

This destination is the lowest known place on Earth, sitting at 1,380 feet below sea level. Water levels are shrinking quickly with climate changes impacting the Jordan River.

City of Petra

Entire buildings got carved out of tall cliffs and rock faces to create an impressive city. As saltwater and erosion take place, the craftsmanship of our ancestors is slowly getting lost to time.

The Great Wall of China

The intent of this landmark was to protect against enemy invasions. Significant efforts are underway to save and restore sections of it, but locals are also selling bricks from it to generate income.

The Grand Canyon

Although this impressive natural wonder seems like it will stay forever, it was listed as endangered by the National Trust of Historic Preservation in 2015. Tourism and mining are the primary threats to this beautiful area.

The Maldives

The beautiful white-sand beaches and glowing waters are slowly disappearing. The islands are only eight feet above sea level, and they’re slowly sinking into the ocean.

Venice, Italy

The city experiences over 100 floods per year. Over the next century, it may sink into the water completely. As sea levels rise, now is the time to visit when you get the chance.

Big Sur

It’s hard to find a better landscape in California than along this coastal section. You’ll see ocean monoliths, towering cliffs, and green pastures. Landslides, forest fires, and drought are all trying to get rid of it.

Machu Picchu

This city of the Incas is built on top of the Andes Mountains. If you love hiking, the journey here will take your breath away for multiple reasons! Erosion is a constant risk, even with steps taken to preserve the ruins.

What destination do you plan to visit first from this list?

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Is Veganism the Right Dietary Move for You?

Posted on by Scott Larson

More people than ever are transitioning their current eating habits to a vegan lifestyle. If you make this decision, it means you eliminate all animal-related products from your diet.

We know that there are ethical, environmental, and health benefits possible when someone transitions to veganism. Is it the right decision for you?

How Much Protein Do You Need?

One of the biggest struggles for people following the vegan lifestyle is to get enough protein. You’ll get it from seeds, nuts, pulses, and beans. Dishes like chili or pasta taste remarkably the same, even though they don’t contain any animal products. Consider trying ingredients like chickpeas, soybeans, and lentils to see if you like them.

Do I Get the Vitamins and Minerals I Need?

Most vegans struggle to get enough Vitamin B12 in their diet. You must eat yeast extract products, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy alternatives in significant quantities to get this nutrient. Most doctors ask people to think about their calcium intake as well. That’s why adding products from brands like Garden of Life, Pharmax, and Thorne Research’ may be helpful during the transition phase.

Can I Afford to Be Vegan?

The best way to follow the vegan lifestyle is to avoid eating processed foods. Going back to the basics is the best philosophy. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, and nuts. You’ll find the approach can be healthy, reduce your grocery bill, and avoid added fats and sugars that could be problematic with your new diet. Instead of stocking up with each visit to the store, buy what you need for the week.

Do I Need to Eat All My Meals at Home?

People will respect your dietary preferences if they are your family or friends. Most people who follow the vegan lifestyle also say that they don’t want anyone going out of their way to make a single accommodation. If you think there might be an issue, consider bringing a dish with you to a social event. That way, you’ll know that you can eat something.

How Do I Manage Meat Cravings?

If you’re used to eating meat all the time, detaching from the flavors, smells and textures can be challenging. Vegan food replicates things like bacon, burgers, and fried chicken quite well today, but it is still not the same. If you cave to the cravings every so often, the world isn’t going to end. Start the next day anew.

Food allergies and medical concerns may limit some people from a complete vegan transition. If you can substitute at least one meat dish with vegetables each week, you could be helping your health and the planet.

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Religious vs. Psychiatric Counseling: What Are the Differences?

Posted on by Scott Larson

From a secular standpoint, the differences between religious vs. psychiatric counseling involve one’s mental health.

Spirituality often depends on the influences of a supernatural being or the universe to correct potential issues. Psychiatric counseling looks at the physical processes that may be unbalanced to cause health problems.

When the two fields get combined, both influences can have a profoundly positive effect on an individual.

Can Religion Be as Influential as Medicine?

In the December 2003 issue of Monitor on Psychology, the magazine published by the American Psychological Association, author Karen Kersting relays an account from Christian psychology. A family found themselves in crisis because their son’s attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was out of control.

When the psychologist asked the family about their religious beliefs, he discovered that they were Jewish. It was the son’s behavior when they were in temple that prevented everyone from attending services.

The family had decided to stop going. When they spoke about the importance of religion in their lives, the psychologist noted that there were tears in their eyes because they could no longer be part of their community-gathered worship each week.

He encouraged the family to return to their religious rituals. Having spirituality in life can broaden individual horizons, creating new solutions that may not be possible without these processes.

How Does Religion Act as a Therapeutic Tool?

One of the most significant issues that psychologists face is an internal resistance from each patient not to forgive themselves for perceived transgressions. Religion can emphasize this area, helping people to let go of unhealthy anger, remove abuse, and find confidence.

Spirituality can also be detrimental to a person’s therapy. If someone believes in an angry God or vengeful spirits, engaging with those systems could cause additional emotional harm.

Many psychologists from a religious background like to ask patients if they pray, and if that action helps.


Even when those elements are available, most religious experiences start from a personal perspective. Anything that feels judgmental or from a world of condemnation will not help the process. Practitioners must remove themselves from the equation to focus on the spirituality of their patients.

Religion and psychiatry can work together, even with their differences. That’s because both practices have the same goal: to find healing.

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What Do Libertarians Believe?

Posted on by Scott Larson

Libertarians are one of two potentially viable third-party solutions in the United States. They fit between the platform extremes of conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats to create centrism rarely found in American politics.

Although Libertarianism is a relatively recent movement from a political view, the first traces of their beliefs and governing concepts are found in Ancient China. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Thomas Paine, Adam Smith, John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, and David Hume helped create the modern movement.

These are the key concepts that Libertarianism has developed over the centuries.

Individualism

Libertarians see individuals as the primary unit of social analysis. People make choices, which means they must be responsible for their actions. Each person receives dignity through their rights and responsibility. Everyone gets this respect, which is why promoting women’s rights and those of minorities is one of their greatest successes.

Spontaneous Order

Human societies have slowly opted to have more freedom for individuals over the centuries. We’ve also worked to create complicated communities that use intricate organization. Money, law, markets, and language all developed without central direction, connecting people and organizations in a spontaneous order. Each person joins because of the benefits that come from that decision.

Rule of Law

People cannot do whatever they want in the view of a libertarian. The goal is to avoid arbitrary commands so that the spontaneous rules that develop can protect individual freedoms to pursue happiness. There must be equal consideration given to the same right for others for society to find success.

Limited Government

Individuals form governments to protect their rights. Libertarians believe it to be a dangerous institution because it places concentrated power in the hands of a few. By limiting the power and scope of control, the people retain the right to make decisions for themselves instead of delegating those actions to elected officials.

Free Markets

Libertarians want the government to be out of the economic system of the country. Individuals should engage in buying and selling activities, exchanging property through mutual agreement, to pursue happiness. Although there may be times when lawlessness requires intervention, the goal is to create mutually beneficial prosperity. 

Libertarians believe in peace. They won’t hesitate to protect what they have from the ruling class or foreign threats, but they don’t seek out conflict. Virtue comes from productivity, which is not possible when all sides are in conflict. 

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6 Tips for Finding the Right Spiritual Practice for You

Posted on by Scott Larson

How do you find spiritual practice moments when the world feels chaotic?

It is easy to conflate spirituality with religion. The elements of worship often come with faithful tones and ethical instructions that work to make life better.

The difference between religion and spirituality is that one has set rules to follow, and the other does not.

Most humans want some level of meaning in their life. Spiritual practices can provide this benefit, especially in troubling times. This set of guidelines can help you to start that journey.

Step #1: Start Small and Take It Easy

You don’t need to adopt an entire set of new beliefs before the sun rises tomorrow. Many spiritual practices use reflection and silence as a way to find more clarity. Instead of diving in headfirst, try taking a few minutes each day in a soothing environment to explore several different options.

Step #2: Commit to the Process

The spiritual process involves finding acceptance for who you are. We often focus on emotions like gratitude and compassion. Still, it would be best to accept the anger, shame, and guilt you feel. Trying to suppress who you are can create voids in your soul that can be challenging to fill. This journey often takes small steps because of how painful feelings can be.

Step #3: Adopt a Practice

Pay mindful attention to your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. You’ll find spiritual experiences in these efforts, even if you choose to follow a specific religion.

Step #4: Study Your Faith

Explore the different perspectives of spirituality. Humans like to separate ideas into “right” and “wrong” categories, but faith is unique because it is individualized. When you take the time to see the world through the lens of another perspective, the information deepens your approach to this realm.

Step #5: Develop Optimism

Spirituality should be a positive event. When people focus only on the negative, the toxicity of that energy influences their faith in several harmful ways. Try to ask questions, embrace your curiosity, and keep your mind open to new possibilities.

Step #6: Choose Love

Let the love you have be the light that shines into the darkness for others. Putting people first can often de-escalate situations before you even recognize a problem exists.

When you respect others, that effort reflects the compassion you have for yourself. That process is where spirituality forms. Following these steps can help you start your journey of where you’d like to be in life.

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These Jobs for Introverts Are Perfect for Professional Growth

Posted on by Scott Larson

Fewer than half of workers in the United States say that they’re satisfied with their employment. If you have an introverted personality, the challenges you face can be significant.


Introverts are more likely to want meaningful jobs than having something that “pays the bills.” Being in the wrong environment causes them to burn out quickly, putting them into a position where going to work feels like torture.

Does that situation describe what you’re feeling right now? If so, it might be time for a career change. These jobs for introverts can help you find the professional growth you hope to achieve.

List of the Best Jobs for Introverts

1. Attorney

Most lawyers spend the bulk of their time alone researching for a case, writing briefs, managing paperwork, and similar preparation methods. The goal is to create a comprehensive platform that can withstand any argument trying to stand against it. Even during a trial, introverts love the idea that it is them against the world while fighting for their client.

2. B2B Sales

Salespeople often rely on charisma to win people over. When you sell from a business-to-business perspective, the process is quite different. The traits of an introvert are an essential asset here because companies spend money based on value and expertise – not a funny joke.

3. Self-Employment

Many introverts thrive in freelance roles because it provides them with independent control of their time and responsibilities. It lowers their stimulation levels, permits them to set a personal schedule, and controls each relationship’s dynamics. You can focus on virtually any industry with your talents and skills in this way.

4. Outdoor Work

Introverts thrive in the outdoors because they don’t feel trapped as they do in an office or cubicle. Anything from landscaping to forestry work is appropriate in this category. It’s much easier to enjoy time with one’s thoughts or moments of quiet when working with this career option.

5. Information Technology

IT is a growth industry for software engineers, data analysts, and system administrators. Most jobs offer competitive wages in this industry while providing individualized work. The emphasis tends to be on solving problems or innovative approaches – items that are well within the scope of an introvert.

If these suggestions don’t feel right to you, most industries offer positions that still work for introverted personalities. Be patient, pursue what you love, and you’ll find the perfect job!

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The Characteristics of Politics Attract These Types of People

Posted on by Scott Larson

People get into politics for a variety of reasons. Some like to help their community, while others have a personal agenda to follow.

The art of politics is similar to the process of self-care. Some people take items from brands like Bioray, Boiron, and Garden of Life daily. Others don’t eat clean, but they blame their circumstances for being in poor health. 

When you understand the different personality types that get attracted to political campaigns, it is easier to find the right people to vote into office.

1. Narcissists

Most politicians have narcissism at some level. It takes a certain ego to think that having power over others is an essential component of life. People with this personality tend to blame others when things go wrong. They can also be quite convincing when telling lies.

2. Obsessive Compulsive

These people focus on ethics and work hard when in politics, but they also need to be accurate and perfect. They love complex situations and overly complicated problems to solve. This personality type also tries to avoid conflict whenever possible, preferring to make deliberate choices that minimize arguments.

3. Authoritarians

This personality type looks at politics in the same lens as a business. It becomes a hierarchical chain where the person on top has the most power. These individuals value strength and dominance over others, leaning toward conservative beliefs that protect their own insecurities or flaws.

4. The Paranoid Politician

These people believe that the world is out to get them around every corner. They are the most likely to believe in the idea of a “deep state.” Individuals with this personality tend to think there are hidden meanings in ordinary circumstances. It is not unusual for narcissistic traits to come out within this political demographic.

5. Totalitarians

This personality type doesn’t come out often in electoral politics because the individual demands 100% compliance from everyone. These people believe that they are infallible, creating a God-like complex that seeks to inspire terror and awe simultaneously. It relies on supporter gullibility to stay in power, often rejecting facts in favor of a cult that surrounds the individual’s personality.

6. Machiavellians

These people are the manipulators. They size up people to see how they can take advantage of them. Instead of worrying about ethics or relationships, their goal is to win at whatever cost is necessary.

Politics can attract genuine people who care for others. Governing can also chew those individuals up and spit them out. That’s why these personality types are the ones most commonly seen in government.

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How Meaningful Graffiti Can Send a Powerful Message

Posted on by Scott Larson

The protests surrounding the murder of George Floyd have led to a surge of meaningful graffiti in cities all over the world.

It has also led to destructive actions.

We must focus on the givers, the helpers, and the mentors when times become challenging. Anyone can paint swear words or curses on a wall as a way to cope for a moment, but those who create meaningful graffiti are trying to find a path toward lasting change.

Does graffiti break the law? Quite possibly – but it isn’t always a sign of criminal disorder.

Graffiti Has Become a Tourist Activity

When we think about graffiti, the goal must be to look at the purpose of the artist. Some people want to be disruptive with their art, causing mayhem for personal gain. You can find artists painting walls in protest because it is the only voice left to them. 

You can even find people using graffiti to send powerful messages to others. Is this artwork really criminal damage if someone is willing to pay Banksy six figures to take something off of a wall? 

Some cities have embraced the idea of graffiti instead of condemning it. The artwork has become a tourist attraction in some areas, showing off the cultural activities in the community to prove that some exciting things are happening.

The communities that have the most graffiti also tend to be artistic or cultural hubs for their region.

Street Art Can Still Be Evidence of Gang Activity

Legal walls enable street artists to spray paint, tag, or mark whatever they want without worrying about having a police officer trying to find them.

Painting the property of someone else is still a crime. It is not unusual for this work to be part of gang activities in a community, even if the art is incredible.

What graffiti does well is disrupt the status quo. It forces people to pay attention to what the art says. It may only be a momentary glance, but the effort can create lasting change for some people.

A mural on a wall is essentially what graffiti provides to an urban landscape. The difference between the two is that one is wanted, and the other is not.

Street art doesn’t need to be an indication of social disorder. It can be an effort to change the world. 

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How to Find Yourself Spiritually in 7 Steps

Posted on by Scott Larson

It is not uncommon for people to feel lost in life. One of the ways to keep moving forward is to find yourself spiritually.

Discovering your spiritual side doesn’t mean that you must embrace a religion. You can draw strength from what your belief systems communicate to your soul.

What you believe should be unique to who you are. If you are looking to discover this component in your life, follow these steps to start that process.

Steps to Follow When Finding Yourself Spiritually

1. Set your intention immediately. It would be best if you had a goal to strive toward when embracing the spiritual side of life. It helps to keep an open mind during this process so that you can explore different ideas and philosophies without judgmental restrictions getting in the way.

2. Feed your mind with a diverse set of ideas. Reading the holy books of different religions can be an educational experience! You should also look for spiritual authors who provide unique philosophies that make you reconsider your positions on almost everything.

3. Take a moment to be still every day. Connect to the world around you without worrying about the elements of time, relationships, or influences. That means shutting off your phone, ignoring social media, and closing your calendar for a few minutes to listen to the universe.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Approach the idea of spirituality with a joyful playfulness. Allow yourself to find laughter in moments throughout the day. When you open your soul to the idea that there is something bigger to the purpose of everything, it can be an eye-opening experience.

5. Look for signs of spirituality happening around you. It doesn’t take long to spot undeniable signs and unusual coincidences occurring as you tap into your spiritual energy.

6. Take time to care for yourself during your spiritual quest. It helps to get enough sleep each night, a little exercise every day, and eating in healthy ways. You may discover that some activities have profound spiritual connections that can be incredibly fun while you get to explore who you are. 

7. Be willing to experiment. Everyone has an authoritative opinion to share about spirituality, especially if you look at different religions. People focus on what they think is right – which means anything different is automatically wrong.
Finding yourself spiritually is a journey that may never end. It is also one of the most profound activities that you start in your life. It is even a topic to look into if you are looking for counseling. Many if not most counselors are secular, but there may be reasons for why you would seek religious counseling.