January 2024: time for reimagining resolutions, cultivating relationships | Opinion | valpotorch.com – The Torch
Posted: January 24, 2024 at 2:37 am
As January 2024 unfolds, the crisp cold air often gives people a sense of renewal and the promise of a fresh new start. The tradition of setting New Year's resolutions is a familiar one, and it is often centered around health, fitness or even personal development.
Common resolutions often include losing weight, exercising more or learning a new skill. I think that we can all take the opportunity to redefine success on a more personal level. Beyond measurable achievements, resolutions can focus on cultivating kindness and compassion, both towards ourselves and others. While all goals are undoubtedly valuable, I would like to concentrate on some commonly overlooked New Year resolutions.
Beyond the typical resolutions lies a realm of mindful practices that can significantly impact our well-being. Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into daily routines can really enhance mental clarity, reduce stress and promote overall emotional balance. The overlooked resolution of cultivating mindfulness not only contributes to personal growth but also fosters a deeper connection with oneself and the surrounding world.
Expressing gratitude is another powerful, yet often underestimated resolution. In creating future goals for yourself, it is essential to acknowledge and appreciate the present. Creating a habit of gratitude can lead to increased happiness, improved relationships and a positive mindset. This overlooked resolution encourages people to find joy in the small moments, fostering a sense of contentment amidst life's challenges.
Another overlooked resolution with a far-reaching impact that I will share is embracing environmental consciousness. Reducing your carbon footprint, practicing sustainable living and supporting eco-friendly initiatives contribute to a healthier planet in which we live. By adopting environmentally conscious habits, people can make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of the Earth.
Lastly, a resolution often disregarded is the need for a digital detox. Committing to designated periods of time without screens can enhance mental clarity, reduce stress and improve your sleep quality. Disconnecting from the digital realm allows us to reconnect with our surroundings and foster more meaningful in-person connections.
As January allows for us to reflect on the possibilities of the year ahead, let us broaden our perspective on resolutions. While traditional goals have their place, exploring overlooked aspirations can lead to a more holistic and fulfilling life. Embracing mindfulness, expressing gratitude, adopting environmental consciousness and practicing a digital detox are just some of the many resolutions that I feel can really offer you a path to personal growth and societal contribution.
By embracing these often overlooked goals, January has the potential to be a canvas for personal evolution and societal betterment. As we navigate the unknown of the new year, let us not only set resolutions but craft a narrative of growth, kindness and purpose that extends beyond the confines of tradition. This year, let us reimagine resolutions and take on a journey of self-discovery and positive change.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of The Torch.
See more here:
January 2024: time for reimagining resolutions, cultivating relationships | Opinion | valpotorch.com - The Torch
11 personality signs that show you’re a classy and sophisticated person (even if you don’t realize it) – Hack Spirit
Posted: at 2:37 am
Classy and sophisticated people generally carry themselves with grace, right? Theyre also polite and considerate of others.
Being classy is more about behavior and attitude than material possessions. You can be classy and poor, the same as you can be rich and trashy.
If you have a hunch youre classy and sophisticated, lets get to the bottom of it once and for all.
Here are the personality signs and behaviors that show youre a classy and sophisticated person, even if you dont realize it.
Youre the person who says please and thank you genuinely. Holding doors open, giving up your seat for someone in need, and being aware of others personal space are part of your daily interactions.
And when we imagine a sophisticated person in our minds, we do imagine them like that, dont we?
Its basically class 101.
If you fail to do this, youre far from refinement. You can have all the money in the world, but if youre disrespectful to others and treat them as doormats, to me, youre sub-human.
But what else do we imagine when we picture a classy person?
Although the suit doesnt make a man, clothing choices are important in many situations.
If you wear classic pieces more than brief trends, youre also classy. For example, a well-fitted white shirt, a tailored blazer, or a little black dress are staples and give off an effortlessly chic and timeless vibe.
Trends come and go, but sophisticated people dont worry about them. They have a closet full of items that never go out of fashion.
And even this very mindset puts them in this desired category of people.
You know, wealthy people dont buy expensive art just to launder money. They also do it when they want to be seen as classy.
Its simply because we associate appreciation for fine art and class. But also because most regular people dont care for things like that at all.
So, whether its enjoying a well-written book, attending live performances, or spending an afternoon at an art gallery, you find joy in the arts.
You appreciate the emotions and stories behind each piece, right? And if you could stare at art or listen to classical music for hours, youre sophisticated, even if you dont realize it.
Exploring different cuisines is about trying something new. But its also about savoring the flavors and appreciating the craftsmanship behind a well-prepared dish.
Fine cuisine is typically very expensive, but you enjoy a balance of flavors and appreciate the artistry of a beautifully plated meal.
Now, I do appreciate a nice meal, but I dont live to eat. I eat to live.
Still, even I can appreciate the amount of love and finesse that goes into preparing such meals, even when you get a small piece of something on your plate.
Okay, all joking aside, heres something that I find more important than most other people.
I simply hate it when people are late. If I can be there 10 minutes before a date, appointment, or meeting, so can everyone else.
Being on time shows respect for others schedules. When you value your time and acknowledge that others do, too, being punctual is a way of honoring that mutual commitment.
Its also a sign of sophistication.
And still, Im constantly waiting for others wherever I go.
Now, if I learned one thing in these 40 years on Earth, its that people dont change. Thats why I dont hold my breath waiting for others to show up anymore.
I now use the time when Im waiting for others to show up to read passages from a book.
And dont tell anyone, but most of the time, I pray for them not to show up so I can continue reading the book.
Being generous and considerate, always thinking of others, adds a beautiful touch to your interactions and relationships.
Whether its a small gesture or a thoughtful gift, you believe in the joy of giving without expecting anything in return.
Thats because you can put yourself in others shoes, understanding their emotions and experiences.
And that also helps you with the following:
Youre not just a small talk person. You dive deep into topics that matter to you by sharing thoughts and listening actively.
That also means that meaningful connections are more important to you than surface-level chit-chat.
And thats how it should be for most people, right?
Dont you just hate it when someone mentions the weather or last nights game or something like that?
I much prefer to ask one of the questions from my arsenal that helps others open up and lets us connect more deeply.
If youre a classy and sophisticated person, your living space reflects your personality. Its tidy, with a touch of sophistication.
Each item has its place, and your decor choices are intentional, creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
Now again, this doesnt mean the furniture or the artwork has to be expensive, it just means you arranged your home in a way that makes sense and looks timeless.
Okay, having a nice home is great and all, but this next thing really sets you apart.
Sadly, most people stop learning new things as soon as they step outside of high school or college.
But not you. Whether its learning a new skill or attaining knowledge in a specific area, youre always seeking self-improvement.
Personal growth is an endless journey for you.
And that, in my opinion, is another sign of class. When youre hungry for knowledge and not for material things, youll live an interesting and well-thought-out life.
Life is often very unfair and leaves us asking, Why me? right? But lately, I started flipping the script and started asking the same question when something nice and beautiful happened to me.
I then realize that Im simply the sum of my lifelong behavior, actions, and choices, coupled with a random thing happening here and there.
9 times out of 10, I know things will work out. And thats why I almost never lose my cool.
The other 10% of the time, I dont have control over the situation anyway, so theres also no need for me to worry about it.
So, if youre like me and, when faced with adversity, you maintain your cool, youre, in fact, classy.
You can stay calm under pressure, which allows you to think rationally and find solutions instead of getting overwhelmed.
You know, theres a sofa I always wanted to have in my apartment. However, its super expensive, and Ive never had a lot of money.
Still, I knew I needed to have it eventually. In the meantime, I insisted on not getting rid of my barely-held-together old couch I had forever as a reminder and an incentive to work harder and earn more.
As a minimalist, this piece of furniture was supposed to be one of the last big things I ever buy.
And now that I have it, I think of all the hard work and successful things Ive done almost every time I sit on it.
Most classy people would rather own a few high-quality items than a multitude of cheaper alternatives.
Its not about having more; its about having the best that suits your needs.
So, in the end, we can conclude that being classy and sophisticated is all in your mind. If you have the mental capacity and upbringing to treat others with respect, have good manners, dress well, keep your cool, and express yourself clearly and thoughtfully, you are classy.
Even if you havent realized it yet.
The rest is here:
11 personality signs that show you're a classy and sophisticated person (even if you don't realize it) - Hack Spirit
Modern Day Knight Project videos shock. Why men are going to man camps – USA TODAY
Posted: at 2:37 am
usatoday.com wants to ensure the best experience for all of our readers, so we built our site to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use.
Unfortunately, your browser is not supported. Please download one of these browsers for the best experience on usatoday.com
Read the original:
Modern Day Knight Project videos shock. Why men are going to man camps - USA TODAY
If you use these 8 phrases every day, you probably have high self-esteem – Hack Spirit
Posted: at 2:37 am
Everyone has a unique way of expressing themselves, but sometimes how we communicate can reveal more than just our thoughts and ideas.
You might consider your daily conversations and wonder if your choice of words mirrors self-assuredness or if its simply a reflection of your current mood.
How can you tell if your everyday dialogues are indicative of high self-esteem, or just a fluctuation of confidence that everyone experiences?
After delving into the intricacies of language and self-perception, along with observing the communication patterns of my friends, Ive compiled a list of 8 phrases you may use every day.
If these sound familiar, you might be exuding far more self-confidence than you realize.
Theres a lot to be said about the power of affirmative self-talk in boosting our self-esteem.
One of the key phrases often used by those with high self-esteem is I am. Not in the sense of merely identifying oneself, but in affirming their qualities, strengths, and values.
For example, instead of saying Im trying to be more confident, someone with high self-esteem might say, I am confident. This simple shift in language reflects a certainty in oneself and ones capabilities.
I am statements are more than just a verbal affirmation; they are a personal declaration. By using them regularly, we reinforce our self-belief and gradually build up our self-esteem.
The power of I am lies in its ability to create a positive loop. The more we affirm our positive attributes, the more we believe in them, which further boosts our self-esteem.
I can is another powerful phrase that individuals with high self-esteem often use. Its a phrase that embodies a sense of self-efficacy and belief in ones abilities.
Let me share a personal example. I used to struggle with public speaking, it made me anxious and nervous. But instead of saying I cant do it, I started telling myself, I can do this. I can speak confidently in public.
Over time, this phrase helped me overcome my fear and boosted my self-esteem considerably. The more I told myself I can, the more I believed it, and the better I performed.
The beauty of I can is that its versatile and can be applied to any aspect of life work, relationships, personal goals. Its a declaration of your capability and your willingness to take on challenges.
I choose is a phrase that reflects autonomy and decision-making power, both vital components of high self-esteem.
When you say I choose, youre asserting control over your actions and choices, rather than letting circumstances or other people dictate your decisions.
People who believe they are in control of their lives, rather than being victims of circumstance, tend to have higher self-esteem. Using I choose is a verbal reflection of this mindset.
So, if you find yourself frequently saying I choose when making decisions, big or small, its likely a sign of your high self-esteem. By consciously using this phrase more often, you can reinforce your sense of autonomy and further boost your self-confidence.
The phrase Im proud of is a self-affirming statement that people with high self-esteem use regularly. Its a way of acknowledging your accomplishments, big or small and giving yourself the credit you deserve.
When you say Im proud of, youre not just patting yourself on the back.
Youre reinforcing your sense of self-worth and validating your efforts. This can be a powerful boost to your self-esteem.
Its a simple but effective way to enhance your self-confidence and reinforce your sense of worth.
One of the phrases that people with high self-esteem often use is I forgive. This phrase is less about others and more about self-love and self-care.
When you say I forgive, youre choosing to let go of grudges and resentment, both of which can weigh heavily on your heart and mind. Youre choosing to free yourself from negative emotions that can hamper your personal growth and well-being.
Forgiveness doesnt mean forgetting or condoning wrongdoings. Its about making peace with the past so that it doesnt affect your present or future.
Personally, learning to say I forgive was a transformative experience for me. It helped me let go of past hurts and focus more on self-improvement and growth.
Im grateful for is a phrase that exudes positivity, and its commonly used by individuals with high self-esteem. This phrase is all about acknowledging the good in life and expressing appreciation for it.
There was a time in my life when I struggled with negativity. I often found myself focusing on what was going wrong, rather than what was going right.
Then, I started practicing gratitude by using the phrase Im grateful for daily, and it changed my perspective significantly.
Now, whether its appreciating a beautiful sunrise or expressing thanks for a kind gesture from a friend, I make it a point to recognize and vocalize my gratitude.
This habit has not only made me more positive but also boosted my self-esteem.
I trust is a phrase that signifies faith and belief, both in oneself and in others. People with high self-esteem often have a strong sense of trust.
When you say I trust, whether its trusting yourself to make a decision, or trusting in the process of life, youre expressing confidence in your abilities and the universe.
Trust is like a foundation for high self-esteem. The more you trust yourself, the more confident and secure you feel about your abilities and judgments.
I love is perhaps the most powerful phrase used by people with high self-esteem, especially when directed towards themselves.
When you say I love, youre expressing acceptance and appreciation for who you are, warts and all.
Self-love is the cornerstone of high self-esteem. When you love yourself, you affirm your worth and value. You acknowledge that you are deserving of love and respect, just as you are.
Love yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and watch your self-esteem soar.
The connection between our language and our self-esteem is profound. The phrases we use daily dont just reflect our self-esteem, they help shape it.
Studies in the realm of cognitive psychology have shown that our internal dialogue plays a crucial role in how we perceive ourselves. Positive affirmations and self-talk can significantly influence our self-esteem and overall sense of well-being.
Using phrases like I am, I can, I choose, Im proud of, I forgive, Im grateful for, I trust, and I love are more than just words. They are powerful tools of affirmation that can help cultivate a sense of self-worth, confidence, and high self-esteem.
As you go about your day, pay attention to your language. Are these phrases part of your vocabulary? If not, consider incorporating them into your daily language.
Remember, the words you choose to use every day can be a reflection of your self-esteem. But more importantly, they can be a powerful tool to enhance it.
Read the original here:
If you use these 8 phrases every day, you probably have high self-esteem - Hack Spirit
9 signs you’re more emotionally intelligent than you realize – Hack Spirit
Posted: at 2:37 am
Do you consider yourself to be emotionally intelligent?
Its hard to believe emotional intelligence didnt hit the mainstream until the release of Daniel Golemans book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ in 1995.
Its front and center now and more important than ever. It boils down to two things at its core
Were all naturally born with some level of EQ but just how much varies from person to person. Despite what you might think, its about more than being good with people. In fact, you might be more emotionally intelligent than you even realize.
Today, were sharing 9 signs that suggest youve got more emotional intelligence than you might think.
Lets jump straight in, shall we?
Are you one of those people whos able to put yourself in someone elses shoes?
When theyre feeling good and celebrating, you share their joy and excitement as if its your own. But on the flip side, when things are tough, you feel their pain and emotions.
The ability to feel for others like this is called empathy and its central to emotional intelligence.
Imagine this: youre having dinner with friends.
Your pal, Josh, takes a call outside. When he returns, you immediately sense a mood change. He hasnt said anything but to you, his whole demeanor is different and you want to make sure hes okay.
As you look around, you realize, that nobody else seems to have noticed. People are still laughing, joking, and taking no notice of Josh.
Sound familiar?
Being dialed into emotions like this is a classic sign youre highly emotionally intelligent. It comes so naturally to you, its hard for you to believe others dont see it too.
Being able to pick up on emotions like this is both a blessing and a curse.
You cant enjoy your evening knowing someone is upset as it upsets you too. But it makes you a great friend to someone in need.
Remember Phoebe from Friends?
Shes a perfect example of someone whos in tune with who she is. Shes different and quirky but whole-heartedly herself which makes her one of the most endearing characters on the show.
Are you like Phoebe in that way?
Youve got a strong sense of self. Youre neither cocky nor lacking in confidence. Instead, you recognize your strengths and lean into them.
Equally, youre aware of your weaknesses. Some of them youre working to improve and others you embrace as part of who you are.
If being in tune with yourself like this resonates, its a sure sign you score high in emotional intelligence as it shows youve got lots of self-awareness.
Are you the person who stays cool, calm, and collected when the pressure is on?
It seems like everyone else is letting their emotions take over, but not you.
You feel your emotions flaring up too but the difference is youre able to keep them in check and use a level head to navigate the situation.
Being able to not only recognize but also control your emotions like this, sometimes described as being level-headed or calm under pressure is known as self-regulation.
Being able to self-regulate is a tell-tale sign of emotional intelligence and something that sets you apart from most other people. If youve got this ability, harness it.
Youve probably heard of the marshmallow test, conducted in the 1970s to see if children could resist the temptation of eating one marshmallow now, to get two marshmallows in 15 minutes.
The test was about assessing their ability to delay gratification; resist temptation now, and reap the reward for it, later.
The truth is: its not just children whod struggle with this task. Lots of adults would too. However, some people can resist temptation for a greater reward later on.
Are you one of those people?
Youve got enough self-control to study for exams, train for that half-marathon, or even simply resist that extra cookie. Moments of weakness are few and far between for you because you know the reward comes later.
If this strikes a chord with you, its yet another sign youre more emotionally intelligent than you realize and youve got an inner strength that shouldnt be taken for granted.
Do you find it easy to get along with most people?
Youre able to adapt your style to fit in with the group youre with. But its not about being fake, its about being tuned into the vibe and adjusting to it.
My cousin James is great at being socially adaptable. Hes generally quite reserved and low key but when the social occasion calls for it, he can transform into the life and soul of the party, becoming energetic and outgoing.
The transformation is hard to grasp, kind of like how its hard to believe Bruce Wayne and Batman are the same guy. But it just shows how socially adaptable he is.
Being able to adapt socially like this is a lesser-known hallmark of someone whos highly emotionally intelligent.
When it comes to motivation there are two kinds; extrinsic and intrinsic.
Youre all about that intrinsic motivation. Sure, awards and accolades are nice but its not what gets you out of bed in the morning. Your drive comes from within.
And no matter what it is, if you feel strongly about it, youll have the self-motivation and discipline to make it happen.
As outlined by Caroline Castrillon, career and leadership coach Emotionally intelligent individuals understand the deeper meaning of their goals and the self-motivation skills required to achieve them.
If youre highly motivated and self-disciplined then theres a strong chance youre also more emotionally intelligent than you might think.
Weve all witnessed someone speak without thinking and insulting someone else in the process. Its painful, right?
This isnt something that happens to you though, you think first then you talk. As someone with high EQ your empathetic nature means youre considerate of others.
Youre not only aware of peoples emotions but also the power of your words on them. Its like you automatically filter your thoughts before you speak to make sure you dont hurt anyones feelings.
This high degree of empathy comes naturally to you so you might not even realize you have it but believe it or not, not everyone has this filter. Its a sure sign of emotional intelligence.
Are you on a constant journey of personal growth and self-discovery?
One of the, often overlooked, signs that someone is more emotionally intelligent than they realize is always working on personal growth.
But think about it: EQ is about self-awareness, self-motivation, and empathy. All necessary for personal growth too.
Author and motivational speaker, Jay Shetty, talks on his podcast about how levels of growth are like different seasons of the year; there are 5 seasons of personal growth.
To navigate each season you need to leverage EQ.
Youve got to have self-awareness to know where you are now and where youre headed, you need self-motivation to get you there but also patience, understanding, and empathy for yourself along the way.
Being focused on personal growth, clearly indicates youre more emotionally intelligent than you think.
How many of these signs do you recognize in yourself?
Very often, people who dont realize just how emotionally intelligent they are, take it for granted because its just who they are. They assume everyone is like them.
But make no mistake, emotional intelligence is very powerful and a great attribute to have. Embrace it.
And dont worry, if your EQ isnt where youd like it to be, its something that you can work on and develop over time. And its well worth the effort to do so.
Read this article:
9 signs you're more emotionally intelligent than you realize - Hack Spirit
Reading alone wont maketh a perfect human – The Hindu
Posted: at 2:37 am
Could you please suggest some books related to self-development, a young man asked. An appropriate answer did not strike me instantly since I had not read any specific book for my self-development as a child or an adult.
Self-development, to me, is not an end in itself but a continuous process resulting from fierce scrutiny of oneself in different times, spaces and contexts while dealing with people, places and institutions. When one is young, the family, the peer group, schools, teachers and elders become reference points. Their habits and responses to different situations intensely affect a tender mind. For instance, I have been amazed by my fathers routine of waking up at 4 a.m. and spending at least two hours on his lifelong passion for medicine, literature and poetry. I learnt from him to make sacrifices for ones passion. Similarly, I was deeply influenced by my mothers empathy and kindness to one and all, both critics and admirers.
Stories, fables, folk tales and classics made an indelible impact. Unfortunately, my grandparents were not alive to tell me stories, and my parents told me some. Chandamama, a childrens magazine, fulfilled that need to some extent. I read the Ramayana and the Mahabharata as a young boy, which elevated my imagination and curiosity. I listened to the Puranas and Bhagavatha. As I grew up, I read other epics, classics and literature of other cultures. I watched dance, drama and theatre. I learned to appreciate music.
Three books which stuck with me immensely when I was young were Parajaa and Maati Mataala of Odia novelist Gopinath Mohanty and Ernest Hemingways The Old Man and the Sea. Mohantys exquisite literary craftsmanship was dipped in the acute sense of humanism. Hemingway, of course, opened a new way of thinking how to express what to express with precision and intensity. Reading a good book is like interacting with a brilliant mind, and there is no substitute for it for self-development.
As I entered adulthood, I struggled to balance body and beauty, emotion and logic, diffidence and decisiveness, dreams and reality, and failure and success. Every failure offered me an opportunity to introspect and made me stronger and bolder; every relationship made me mature and wiser. Every personal loss taught me to value the near and dear ones more. As I started working, I met many personalities with different skills and expertise academics, bureaucrats, businesspeople, diplomats, sportspersons, artists and filmmakers. Some contributed to the sharpening of my understanding of things, beings, and situations and, in the process, self-development.
Institutions, organisations, and places contributed immensely. I spent the best two years of my high school at the school that produced Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. The school environment was electric then, which taught me to strive for excellence and value hard work. In college and university, I met fellow travellers better organised and equipped than me to face the world. I admired many of their qualities and tried to imbibe some that suited my habits and lifestyle. As a diplomat, I served in and travelled to many countries and got acquainted with the unique cultural traits of people and societies. I learned to be flexible, tolerant, and non-judgemental.
I am hesitant to suggest self-development as a project for which one can read specific books in a time-bound manner. For me, it is a never-ending practice of introspection till one lives. Each individual is different, endowed with different abilities, passions, and dispensations. So are their circumstances. As one passes through the various stages of life, one must recognise ones strengths and weaknesses and consolidate the strengths while overcoming the shortcomings. Its an inward-looking activity, and people, institutions, situations, and books can only help one provide choices for personal growth and self-development.
Here is the original post:
Reading alone wont maketh a perfect human - The Hindu
Self-Help Home Improvement Project offers support for home weatherization – KRCR
Posted: at 2:36 am
Self-Help Home Improvement Project offers support for home weatherization
by Devin Herenda
(KRCR)
REDDING, Calif.
Keeping your home energy-efficient is crucial, especially during winter weather months.
Self-Help Home Improvement Project in Redding has programs to cover the costs of home weatherization, including services like wall insulation and improving heating and cooling units.
The nonprofit partners with PG&E for one program and also has a federally-funded weatherization program.
SHHIP Program Analyst Hailey Hurley told us, As rates change, it is important for our families to try and save as much as we can on utilities. And so having an energy-efficient home really helps in that area, to keep your utilities down as much as possible.
SHHIP has helped weatherize and/or repair 1,800 homes over the past year in Shasta and Tehama counties. The nonprofit also helps families pay their utility bills once a year.
The SHHIP programs are income-based. Everything is free of charge for program participants who fit the income guidelines. Both homeowners and renters can benefit from the programs, as long as homeowners offer permission for tenants to receive the services.
Hurley added, "It's really satisfying because we do have a lot of people that will call in after the fact and wouldn't be able to replace that heating unit or get that heating repair. And because we have our program, that's something that helped them and their family make it through a winter."
The City of Anderson is hosting workshops educating people on how they can apply to the nonprofits programs.
The workshops will continue monthly at Anderson City Hall through April 2024, with the next event being scheduled for Feb. 17.
You can learn more about who is eligible to apply for SHHIP's programs here.
Load more...
View original post here:
Self-Help Home Improvement Project offers support for home weatherization - KRCR
Legal self-help now offered by circuit court – News- Graphic
Posted: at 2:36 am
The Scott County Circuit Court at 119 North Hampton Street in Georgetown is now offering free self-help legal resources through the public workstation on site.
This newly available resource comes from a larger state wide push from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to provide more access to citizens of the commonwealth without the means to obtain it. The portal was designed as a collaboration between the Kentucky Court of Justice and Kentucky Access to Justice Commission.
The portal went live as a soft launch in March. Scott County was one of the many pilot counties where the AOC installed a public workstation. As of now 48 counties in Kentucky have access to these resources, and by June they will be made available to most of the other 72 counties, according to a press release from the AOC.
The portal features an interactive program that assists users in completing common legal forms including uncontested divorce, probate, child support, small claims, name change, expungement, and more.
Its like a Turbo Tax-like program. Weve got a computer here at the courthouse or you can access it from your own home. Its especially good for divorce cases, those can be uncomfortable, said Scott County Circuit Court Clerk Tina Foster.
The portal also provides links to legal information categorized by topic onkyjustice.org, the online legal advice clinicky.freelegalanswers.org/, lawyer referral services and Kentuckys regional civil legal aid programs. The AOC legal forms library is also available through the portal, which provide access to an array of standardized legal forms, including the recently developed forms packet for uncontested divorces involving no children.
The resources, their centralization into a self-help portal and the workstations are major steps toward our continuous goal to improve access to justice for everyone, Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Laurance VanMeter said. For non-attorneys, the legal system can be a mystery. A one-stop shop with user-friendly technology is our solution to thischallenge. The portal makes it far easier for the many people who cant afford an attorney or choose to handle their own everyday issues.
Its really helpful to folks who dont have access to a computer at home or dont have the money for an attorney. Its a really good resource, said Foster
Go here to see the original:
Legal self-help now offered by circuit court - News- Graphic
7 Self-Development Books To Help You Level Up – Essence
Posted: at 2:36 am
Embarking on a journey toward personal, financial or career excellence? Snuggle into a cozy spot and curl up with the self-development books on our list. Tailored for both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals, these handpicked titles serve as roadmaps to success. They offer invaluable insights on disciplined financial habits, strategic leadership and the crucial steps to becoming an influential figure in your industry. No matter if youre navigating the entrepreneurial landscape or climbing the corporate ladder, these self-development books are worth the read.
01 Atomic Habits
by James Clear
This bestselling book by James Clear presents practical strategies to build good habits, break bad ones and master tiny behaviors that lead to extraordinary results.
02 The Mountain Is You
by Brianna West
03 Everyday Millionaires
by Chris Hogan
04 Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter
by Curtis Jackson
05 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People
by Stephen R. Covey
06 Its About Damn Time: How to Turn Being Underestimated into Your Greatest Advantage
by Arlan Hamilton
07 Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less
by Tiffany Dufu
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Continue reading here:
7 Self-Development Books To Help You Level Up - Essence
22 Self Care Products For A Night In – BuzzFeed
Posted: at 2:36 am
BuzzFeed Shopping writerEmma Lordalso swears by this. She writes: "I use this on my skin and definitely have noticed results! While it didn't help completely kick my stubborn pre-period hormonal acne,it has done *wonders* with reducing redness on my face, particularly around my nose, and in dealing with my pores.Since I started using it, my primer and foundation goes on a whole lot smoother, andI'm struggling a whole lot less to cover my pores.After using it a few weeks, I read the advice of one reviewer toput this on when your face is slightly moist from washing, rub it in, let it dry, and then put your moisturizer on top of it I've found that it's what got me the best results!"
Promising review: "Recommended from a dermatologist, which is very important when choosing skincare. I use it in the morning after toner then follow up with a light moisturizer, vitamin C, then SPF, and my skin is glowing. Ive received manycomplimentsafter incorporating this into my routine." E. Rice
Get it from Amazon for $13.88.