The Benefits of Doing Less

1. You accomplish more. No, you don’t get more done (you’re doing less, after all), but if you do less and focus on the important stuff, you actually achieve better results, and more meaningful accomplishments.

2. You have less anxiety. When you let go of the distractions and the non-essential, you free yourself from the fear that you need to do these things. You learn that your world doesn’t fall apart when you let them go.

3. You enjoy life more. Taking time to really focus on an important task, or enjoy the little things, rather than rushing through them, is much more enjoyable.

4. You create time. When you do less, all of a sudden you have free time! You can use that doing things you really want to do!



Avaritia facit bardos

Translation: "Greed makes you stupid."




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Envy on Facebook May Trigger Depression

In a new study, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that Facebook use can lead to symptoms of depression if the social networking site triggers feelings of envy among its users.

Margaret Duffy, Ph.D., a professor and chair of strategic communication at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, said how Facebook users use the site makes a difference in how they respond to it.

“Facebook can be a fun and healthy activity if users take advantage of the site to stay connected with family and old friends and to share interesting and important aspects of their lives,” Duffy said.

“However, if Facebook is used to see how well an acquaintance is doing financially or how happy an old friend is in his relationship, things that cause envy among users, use of the site can lead to feelings of depression.”

In the study, Duffy and Dr. Edson Tandoc, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, surveyed young Facebook users and found that some of those who engage in “surveillance use” of Facebook also experience symptoms of depression.

However, those who use the site simply to stay connected do not suffer negative effects.

Surveillance use of Facebook occurs when users browse the website to see how their friends are doing compared with their own lives.

The researchers found that Facebook postings about things such as expensive vacations, new houses or cars, or happy relationships can evoke feelings of envy among surveillance users. They say that these feelings of envy can then lead to Facebook users experiencing symptoms of depression.

“We found that if Facebook users experience envy of the activities and lifestyles of their friends on Facebook, they are much more likely to report feelings of depression,” Duffy said.

“Facebook can be a very positive resource for many people, but if it is used as a way to size up one’s own accomplishments against others, it can have a negative effect. It is important for Facebook users to be aware of these risks so they can avoid this kind of behavior when using Facebook.”

“Social media literacy is important,” Tandoc said.

“Based on our study, as well as on what others have previously found, using Facebook can exert positive effects on well-being. But when it triggers envy among users, that’s a different story.

“Users should be self-aware that positive self-presentation is an important motivation in using social media, so it is to be expected that many users would only post positive things about themselves. This self-awareness, hopefully, can lessen feelings of envy.”

Source: University of Missouri-Columbia/EurekAlert

Reference
Nauert, R. (2015). Envy on Facebook May Trigger Depression. Psych Central. Retrieved on February 4, 2015, from http://psychcentral.com/news/2015/02/04/envy-on-facebook-may-trigger-depression/80764.html

Mind-Blowing SIX Song Country Mashup!

4 Tickets to Christmas _ The Movie

4 Tickets to Christmas from FBC-TV 16 on Vimeo.

The Creative Process - Divergence and Convergence

In creative work, there are two modes of thinking that we use that are very different, but are both very useful for different parts of the process.

Divergence

Divergence is the process of thinking broadly, of expanding one's mind, of going places where one does not normally go. In fact it is very much what most people think about when they consider creativity.

Social variation

Divergent thinking is very important in creativity as the process whereby ideas are generated. Although everyone can do it, some take to it more easily and find idea creation (sometimes called ideation) both natural and fun.
For others, it is something more of an effort, both to create the ideas and also to get over the internal blocks that prevent them from telling others about their half-formed ideas.
The fear of social punishment and ridicule keeps many from even admitting to themselves that they could be good at divergent thinking.

Quantity first

Divergent ideation creates a constant flow of ideas, no matter how good or bad they are (and without even a thought about this), with the knowledge that they will be sorted out in the subsequent convergent activity.

Convergence

When you have created a big pile of ideas, the creative activity does not stop there. The next stage, which can be very difficult, seeks to thin down the idea set into a very small set of ideas (maybe one) that will be taken forward for further development.

Judgement and Selection

This approach requires skills of selection, evaluation and judgement to whittle down the list to the most useful ideas. In this process, there can be argument and debate about the true potential of ideas.

Retaining creative seeds

A danger here is that the baby gets thrown out with the bathwater, as good ideas are thrown out with the bad. It is important here to keep a balance, and the divergent thinkers have an important task to challenge the ejection of any ideas that may have serious potential.

Keeping them separate

Have you ever been in a thinking session (creative or otherwise) and seen two groups of people crossing swords, where one group are constantly trying to keep the exploration open, whilst the other group is trying to come to a closure point and get a decision made? Maybe you were in one of these two groups.

The dangers of simultaneity

Divergent and convergent activities do not go well together, and keeping them deliberately separate is a very good idea. Thus you can explain the principles to people you will then be able to use the language, saying 'excuse me, I hear convergence' if someone starts criticising ideas in the middle of a divergent session.
Likewise in convergent sessions, further divergence needs to be carefully managed. It is, however, more important to keep convergence out of divergent activities, as people easily take criticism of one of their ideas personally and may just clam up and sit back if they feel this has happened.

How to keep them separate

Separation can be achieve in several ways. You can separate the sessions by having one after the other (this is most common).
You can also separate them further in time (eg. to give space for more ideas to be generated by incubation first).
You can have different groups of people diverging and converging.
You can change location for each - for example having the divergent session in a relaxed lounge and the convergent session in a formal meeting room.

Sequencing them

Divergence and convergence are not a one-shot thing in serious creativity and invention practices. They constantly sequence, one after the other and form a matched pair of activities that enable you to both think broadly and also stay focused.
Thus you may diverge and converge in problem identification, idea exploration, product development, market planning, etc.




Quidquid agis, prudenter agas, et respice finem!
"Whatever you do, may you do it prudently, and look to the end!"

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Camellia St. John - Portrait of Dedication

1989 - 1992 Director Region VII, American Society for Medical Technology
1985 - 1988 President-Elect, President, Past President, Texas Society for Medical Technology
1981-1985  Secretary, Texas Society for Medical Technology

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Camellia St. John is being inducted into the Paris Junior College Academic Hall of Honor and Athletic Hall of Fame.  She is a past president and secretary for TACLS (formerly known as Texas Society for Medical Technology.)  She was and still is very involved on the national level and is currently a member of the By Laws Committee for Alpha Mu Tau.

Camellia is Professor Emeritus of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.  Following graduation from PJC, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree as a medical technologist from Texas Women's University and her Masters of Education from Prairie View A&M University in education and guidance counseling.  

What IS Clinical Laboratory Science?

Clinical Laboratory Science involves the hematological, chemical, immunologic, and microscopic analysis of body fluids and tissues in a health care environment.  Physicians use the information gained from laboratory tests to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) contribute to the care of patients in many areas.  A MLS/MLT working in the Blood Bank utilizes current immunologic technology to determine compatibility between a blood donor and a blood transfusion recipient.  A MLS/MLT can work as a microbiologist and determine the pathogens involved in patient infections.  A MLS/MLT can work in the areas of hematology, coagulation, and chemistry where they provide physicians valuable information from laboratory tests performed on blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other bodily fluids.  A MLS/MLT can work in clinics, hospitals, reference and research laboratories.

The field of clinical laboratory science is always changing as technology and scientific knowledge improves.  A career in clinical laboratory science is challenging, fascinating, and rewarding!

For more information use the link below:
 http://www.ascls.org/leadership/ppc/lifesavedvideo.asp

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Tuesdays with Morrie 01

“There's a big confusion in this country over what we want versus what we need," Morrie said. "You need food, you want a chocolate sundae. You have to be honest with yourself. You don't need the latest sports car, you don't need the biggest house. The truth is, you don't get satisfaction from those things. You know what really gives you satisfaction?...Offering others what you have to give...I don't mean money, Mitch. I mean your time. Your concern. Your storytelling. It's not so hard.” 

 Mitch Albom

Signs of an unhealthy relationship

An unhealthy relationship develops where one, or both of the parties is…

1. Failing to communicate: Problems are ignored, or not talked about at all. One or both don’t really listen, and they rarely compromise.

2. Acting in ways that are disrespectful: One or both are inconsiderate toward the other person; and they don’t behave in ways that send the message that they care.

3. Refusing to trust the other person: One or both is suspicion of their partner’s loyalty. Hence, they make false accusations, or won’t believe the truth.

4. Acting in a way that is dishonest: One or both is deceptive, or they lie and hide the truth.

5. Acting in a controlling way: One person thinks that they should set the one who rules, controls the other person, and say how things should be.


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The Road to Success

1. It will hurt.

2. It will take time and effort.

3. It will require commitment.

4. It will require perseverance.

5. You will need to keep on making make healthy decisions.

6. It will require pain and sacrifice.

7. You will need to push yourself to the max at times.

8. There will be tough days and discouragement.

9. There will be temptations that you’ll have to push against.

10. But it will all be worth it – and you’ll get there in the end.


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"Normal Anxiety" Versus Generalised Anxiety Disorder

The difference between “normal” worrying and generalized anxiety disorder is that the worrying involved in GAD is excessive, intrusive, persistent and debilitating. 

With normal anxiety:
1.Your worrying doesn’t get in the way of your daily activities and responsibilities.
2. You’re able to control your worrying.
3. Your worries, while unpleasant, don’t cause significant distress.
4. Your worries are limited to a specific, small number of realistic concerns.
5. Your bouts of worrying last for only a short time period.

However, with Generalised Anxiety Disorder
1. Your worrying significantly disrupts your job, activities, or social life.
2. Your worrying is uncontrollable.
3. Your worries are extremely upsetting and stressful.
4. You worry about all sorts of things, and tend to expect the worst.
5. You’ve been worrying almost every day for at least six months.
 
Most people with GAD experience a combination of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms.

Emotional symptoms
• Constant worries running through your head
• Feeling like your anxiety is uncontrollable
• Intrusive thoughts about things that make you anxious; you try to avoid thinking about them, but you can’t
• An inability to tolerate uncertainty
• A pervasive feeling of apprehension or dread

Behavioral symptoms
• Inability to relax, enjoy quiet time, or be by yourself
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing on things
• Putting things off because you feel overwhelmed
• Avoiding situations that make you anxious

Physical symptoms
• Feeling tense; having muscle tightness or body aches
• Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because your mind won’t quit
• Feeling edgy, restless, or jumpy
• Stomach problems, nausea, diarrhea

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More Productivity - Less Effort

1.Sort out your priorities. Make time to honestly reflect on your life, and to think about what is important to you. Where are you going? What do you want? What are the steps that will take you there?

2. Focus on the essential tasks. Next, think about your short term responsibilities. Ask yourself: “Out of all the tasks that I have to do, which will get me the greatest return for my time and effort?” Make a list of these types of tasks — they’re your most important things to do this week.

3. Eliminate what you can. Now look at your list. What on the list is not essential? Is there anything there that you can drop from your schedule, delegate to someone else, or put on a “waiting list”. Often when we review these non-essentials later, we find they weren’t necessary at all.

4. Do essential tasks first. Begin each day by doing the two most important tasks. Don’t wait until later in the day as they’ll get pushed aside to make time for other stuff that arises throughout the day. You’ll find that if you do these tasks right away, your productivity will really increase.

5. Eliminate distractions. If you allow yourself to be constantly interrupted by email notifications, IM, cell phones, social media and so on, then you’ll never be productive. Turn them and, if you can, disconnect yourself from the internet.

6. Keep it simple. Don’t waste time on applications that are meant to organize your schedule. Make a simple to-do list with a word document, or with some paper and a pen. Then get started on whatever work you had planned on doing.

7. Do one thing at a time. In most situations, multi-tasking slows you down. You can’t get things done with a million things demanding your attention. Focus on what’s in front of you, to the exclusion of all else. That way, you are likely to achieve more, in less time, and with less effort.

8. Make time for honest reflection. At the end of the day, reflect on what you have achieved. Make sure you affirm yourself for your hard work. Think about possible changes you need to make - and commit to keep going, and aiming for your goal.


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When you are not there...

If they miss you,
they’ll call.
If they want you,
they’ll say it.
If they care,
they’ll show it.
And if not,
they aren’t worth your time.



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10 Steps to A Better YOU!

1. If it feels wrong, don’t do it.

2. Say “exactly” what you mean.

3. Don’t be a people pleaser.

4. Trust your instincts.

5. Never speak badly about yourself.

6. Never give up on your dreams.

7. Don’t be afraid to say “no”.

8. Don’t be afraid to say “yes”.

9. Resist the need to always have control.

10. Stay away from drama and negativity – as much as possible.

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10 Traits that Lead to Success

1. Independence

2. Self-confidence

3. Persistence

4. Creative thinking

5. Being thick skinned

6. Knowing who you are and what you want from life

7. Setting clear goals – and going after them

8. Staying focused

9. Optimism

10. Passion and a zest for life.

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