Monthly Archives: August 2025

More Than a Game: The Cultural Legacy of Mahjong Parties

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Mahjong, a traditional Chinese tile game, is far more than a pastime—it is a living piece of cultural heritage. Played for centuries, mahjong represents a blend of strategy, memory, and intuition that reflects values of patience, adaptability, and resilience. At gatherings, the rhythmic clicking of tiles is as iconic as the laughter that fills the room. For many, hosting or joining a mahjong party is not simply about competition, but about honoring tradition and celebrating cultural identity in an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity.

Beyond its cultural significance, mahjong serves as a powerful tool for connection and community. A mahjong table invites intergenerational bonding, with grandparents teaching grandchildren not only the rules of the game but also lessons in patience and respect. Friends and neighbors find camaraderie through shared stories between rounds, reinforcing trust and belonging. In a world where many feel isolated, mahjong parties become a safe space where people can laugh, learn, and experience the joy of collective play.

Importantly, mahjong also holds healing potential. Research has shown that engaging in mentally stimulating games like mahjong can reduce stress, sharpen memory, and support emotional well-being. For older adults, it can help delay cognitive decline; for anyone, the sense of rhythm and flow can be grounding and restorative. Mahjong parties offer a ritual of mindfulness disguised as play: when the tiles are shuffled, worries can fade, and what remains is a circle of connection, laughter, and cultural continuity. In this way, mahjong is both medicine for the mind and nourishment for the soul.

Jarrelle ( Jieao- 杰遨 ) Barton

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Papaya Regularly

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Papaya is more than a delicious tropical fruit—it’s a nutritional powerhouse with wide-ranging health benefits. In addition to being fat-free, papaya is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and enzymes that support overall wellness. Eating papaya regularly can improve digestion (thanks to papain and fiber), boost immunity (with nearly a full day’s vitamin C in one cup), support healthy vision (from lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene), help manage blood sugar, and even reduce cancer risks. It also protects the skin, lowers inflammation, and promotes cardiovascular health with antioxidants, potassium, and fiber.

Key Facts:

  1. Improved Digestion – Fiber + papain enzyme aid in gut health.
  2. Stronger Immunity – Vitamin C fights infections & free radicals.
  3. Better Vision – Lycopene, lutein & zeaxanthin protect eyes.
  4. Diabetes Support – Low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar.
  5. Cancer Protection – Lycopene, lutein & zeaxanthin show anticancer effects.
  6. Healthier Skin – Vitamins A & C boost collagen & skin elasticity.
  7. Reduced Inflammation – Antioxidants fight free radicals linked to chronic disease.
  8. Heart Health – Fiber & potassium lower cholesterol and blood pressure.


Papaya is a simple yet powerful addition to your diet that can enhance health from the inside out. Whether enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, or added to salads, this fruit offers daily nourishment for digestion, immunity, vision, skin, and heart health. Adding papaya to your routine is a small step with big benefits.

Advocate for the Federal Food Service Guideline and Wellness Policy through sharing nutritional information and encouraging healthy dietary choices.

Reference:https://www.verywellhealth.com/papaya-benefits-11769169

The Rhythm of Health: Multicultural Practices That Keep Us Moving

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Around the world, movement has always been more than exercise—it is culture, celebration, and a way of connecting with one another. Practices like Tai Chi in China and yoga in South Asia reflect the deep relationship between body, mind, and spirit. In these traditions, movement is both healthful and meditative, a practice that sustains balance in daily life. Across cultures, the idea of moving with intention is woven into rituals, ceremonies, and everyday routines, making wellness a shared experience.

Cultures across the globe offer profound lessons in how movement supports health and community. In Asia, martial arts and Tai Chi blend strength, mindfulness, and flow. In Latin traditions, dances like salsa and samba are not only joyous forms of expression but also cardiovascular workouts that bring entire communities together. Native American traditions include dance ceremonies rooted in storytelling, spirituality, and honoring the earth—movements that ground the body while connecting people to heritage and nature. In Africa, vibrant dance traditions emphasize rhythm, endurance, and collective joy, turning movement into a celebration of life itself. These cultural practices remind us that wellness is not confined to gyms or structured routines—it thrives in the heartbeat of culture.

We can learn from these rich traditions by finding ways to make movement both joyful and meaningful in our daily lives. Whether it’s dancing with friends, taking a mindful walk, practicing Tai Chi in the park, or participating in cultural wellness events, movement becomes more sustainable when it’s rooted in community and heritage. Health is not only about physical fitness—it’s about finding connection, balance, and joy through movement that reflects who we are and where we come from.

“Every step you take honors the generations that came before you.”

Jarrelle ( Jieao 杰遨 ) Barton

100 Words of Encouragement for Any Situation

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Encouragement is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to make a difference in someone’s life. A few genuine words can help a friend through a tough time, motivate a coworker, comfort a child, or strengthen the bond with your partner. As Kristin Wilson, MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT, Chief Experience Officer at Newport Healthcare, explains, encouraging others offers motivation, boosts confidence, builds a sense of security, and reinforces a person’s worth and capabilities. Whether you’re offering a cheer, a kind compliment, or simply reminding someone that you see their effort, encouragement is a gift that leaves lasting impact.

Key Facts

  • Encouragement motivates people to take action and believe in themselves.
  • Recognizing effort matters just as much as outcomes.
  • Specific and authentic praise strengthens emotional bonds.
  • Adults and children alike thrive when reassured and supported.
  • Encouraging words can improve both workplace performance and academic success.
  • Encouragement builds resilience and helps people through challenges.
  • Offering genuine encouragement reinforces trust and connection.

Words of Encouragement for a Coworker

  • Great work!
  • Your hard work is paying off.
  • The passion you bring to your work is inspiring.
  • You’re a true team player.
  • Thank you for going above and beyond on this project.
  • The way you handled that task was impressive.
  • Your contributions to the team have been really helpful.
  • Your commitment to this project is commendable.
  • Your knowledge and expertise in this area have been invaluable.
  • Your ideas are refreshing, keep them coming!
  • Your work is making a huge impact.
  • You have a strong work ethic that I really admire.
  • Your can-do approach is really motivating the rest of the team.
  • Your positivity and optimism are contagious.
  • Your attention to detail is flawless, keep it up!
  • Your leadership inspires confidence.
  • We’re lucky to have you on board.
  • I trust your ability to handle this project.
  • I have confidence in your decision-making skills.
  • I’m seeing a significant improvement in your performance.
  • Thanks for working on the feedback I shared, I can see the difference.
  • Your professional and personal growth have been significant.
  • Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, you can do this!
  • Even though the deal fell through, it was not for lack of your effort.
  • Your calm and collected approach was really helpful during the crisis.

Words of Encouragement for a Friend

  • Good luck! You’re going to do great.
  • Break a leg! Go out there and wow them.
  • You killed it! That was amazing.
  • Congratulations, I’m so happy for you!
  • You had the courage to follow your dreams.
  • You stuck to your guns, good for you!
  • Shine on!
  • One step at a time, you’re almost there!
  • Don’t worry, you can do this!
  • Keep at it, you’ve got this!
  • I have no doubt that you’ll be great at this.
  • This is tough, but you’re definitely tougher.
  • It sucks that you have to go through this, but I know you can do it.
  • Things will get better, hang in there!
  • Whatever the universe has in store for you is going to be amazing.
  • Trust the process, it’ll work out.
  • Good vibes coming your way.
  • Sending you big hugs and happy thoughts.
  • You’re in my thoughts today.
  • I’m here for you no matter what.
  • Just pick up the phone if you need me.
  • Your friendship is important to me.
  • You have a heart of gold.
  • You’re such a pure soul.
  • You make the world a better place.

Words of Encouragement for a Partner

  • I believe in you, you’ve got this!
  • You’re not alone, we’re in this together.
  • I’m with you every step of the way.
  • I support you no matter what.
  • Together, we can do anything.
  • I’m grateful to have you by my side.
  • I’m so lucky to have you in my life.
  • I know I can always count on you.
  • You’ve never let me down.
  • You’re my rock, and I appreciate your support.
  • Thanks for everything you do for me.
  • Thank you for sharing that with me.
  • You inspire me to be a better person.
  • You make my life better in so many ways.
  • Your kindness makes the world a better place.
  • Your thoughtfulness never fails to amaze me.
  • You have such a big heart.
  • You’re beautiful inside and out.
  • You brighten up my days.
  • You make me so happy.
  • You make me look forward to each day.
  • You’re so special to me.
  • You’re such a good listener.
  • You make me feel seen and supported.
  • I have so much to learn from you.

Words of Encouragement for a Child

  • Good job!
  • There you go!
  • You’re doing great.
  • Keep up the good work.
  • You’re such a smart cookie.
  • You’re so brave.
  • I’m so proud of you.
  • You’re awesome, you can do this!
  • Good luck today!
  • Go for it!
  • Be good today.
  • Make me proud.
  • I know you’ll do the right thing.
  • Try, try, try!
  • You can do anything if you put your mind to it.
  • You can be anything you want to be.
  • The sky’s the limit.
  • I love you no matter what.
  • It didn’t go well, but you learnt something important today.
  • Mistakes are part of the learning process. Don’t beat yourself up.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Tomorrow will be a better day.
  • Hang in there!
  • Don’t give up, you can do this.
  • Do your best, leave the rest.

Encouragement doesn’t need to be elaborate—sometimes the simplest, most heartfelt words are the ones that matter most. Whether it’s telling a coworker “great job,” reminding a child “I’m proud of you,” or reassuring a partner “we’re in this together,” these words create lasting impact. Small gestures of support remind people they are valued, capable, and not alone. Start today: look around, notice the effort of those you love, and let them know you believe in them. Your encouragement could be the spark that lights their way forward.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/words-of-encouragement-8549207?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=19165985-20250824&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=082425&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

Spotting Family Dysfunction: Key Signs and What to Do About It

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The source of dysfunction in a family may vary, but the impact on children is often the same: long-lasting wounds to self-esteem, trust, and healthy relationship skills. Dysfunctional families often fall into recognizable patterns: emotionally unavailable caregivers (cold, absent, or consumed by stress/addiction), addicts and enablers (where substance use dominates the household and children’s needs are overlooked), and high-conflict or abusive families (where violence, criticism, and fear replace love and safety). Such environments can lead to anxiety, depression, substance use, and unhealthy relationships in adulthood. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward healing. Therapy, support groups, and learning intentional parenting strategies can help individuals break the cycle—proving that dysfunction does not have to define future generations.

Key Facts

  • Dysfunctional families can include emotional neglect, addiction, abuse, secrecy, or denial.
  • Children from these families often struggle with trust, boundaries, and self-worth.
  • Common signs include gaslighting, favoritism, scapegoating, and violation of privacy.
  • Healing is possible through therapy, boundary setting, and healthy coping skills.
  • Breaking the cycle requires awareness, intentional choices, and often professional support.

While no family is perfect, children raised in dysfunctional households often face deep emotional struggles. Yet, healing is possible: by seeking support, learning healthier ways to cope, and making intentional parenting decisions, we can stop the cycle from repeating and create families rooted in love, respect, and emotional stability.

If you are in need of crisis support contact the text line by texting MN to 741741

Refrence:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-dysfunctional-family-5194681?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=19060105-20250817&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=081725&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a

What Is Confirmation Bias?

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Confirmation bias is one of the most common — and often unnoticed — mental shortcuts that shapes how we think, make decisions, and interact with others. It’s the tendency to favor information that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring or downplaying evidence that challenges them. Whether it’s interpreting news, forming opinions about controversial issues, choosing friends, or making investments, confirmation bias subtly influences how we process the world. Psychologist Peter Wason’s 1960s experiments first illuminated how people naturally seek confirmatory information, and since then, research has shown this bias affects memory, attention, and interpretation. Key signs include ignoring contradictory evidence, remembering only supportive details, and seeking information from like-minded sources. It shows up in politics, relationships, and everyday decisions — and though it can offer a sense of comfort and confidence, it often hinders objectivity and critical thinking. The good news? With conscious effort, we can reduce its effects by staying open to opposing views, welcoming new information, and being aware of our own cognitive blind spots. In a world full of information, curiosity and humility are powerful tools to overcome bias.

Key Facts:

  • Confirmation bias causes us to seek and interpret information that supports our existing views.
  • It impacts attention, memory, and how we perceive information.
  • It shows up in personal decisions, politics, news consumption, and relationships.
  • There are different types: biased attention, biased interpretation, and biased memory.
  • Awareness, seeking diverse perspectives, and openness to new evidence can help mitigate it.

While we can’t fully eliminate confirmation bias — it’s wired into how our brains function — we can learn to recognize it and challenge its grip on our thinking. The more we practice intellectual humility, seek out opposing viewpoints, and stay open to new information, the closer we come to seeing the world as it really is — not just as we wish it to be.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-confirmation-bias-2795024?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=18887911-20250805&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=080525&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a