Valentine's Day Reality Check!

Around this time of year most people here in the United States,  and other places in the world as well, turn their attention towards love.   February being the month for St. Valentine's Day and all...it is to be expected

Sadly, as the masses set out to impress a love interest with an assortment of cards, gifts, dinners, cruises and all that there,  I guarantee that the majority of people will overlook--okay scratch that--they'll out right IGNORE one person in particular.  Their own Self.   

Not surprising really.  You see (as I'm pretty sure you already are aware) Human Experiencers develop the habit of overlooking his or her self early in their earthly life.  We Human Experiencers are told it is selfish to think of one's self!  To do for one's Self!    Then we are scolded to take better care of ourselves whenever we get sick.  Talk about your mixed messages.  Oy Vey!  No wonder the masses are dazed and confused!

But the all burning question is this.  Is it being selfish to love one's Self?   There is nothing conceited or narcissistic about loving one's self.  In fact, those who truly love and respect their own self are proven assets to be around.  The confidence that comes from genuine love of one's self shows in the way a person carries his/her physical body.  The way they speak and talk to others.  It's all there.  And it's very non-intrusive and quite wonderful.  

The more you love your Self, the more aware you become of other's feelings and intentions.  It's your very own psychic radar!  And this psychic radar gives you a heads up and  allows you to avoid those who try to put on airs and/or those with a hidden agenda.   

*~*~*~*

Over the years I have had to cut loose  people based on how much time and energy they exert in trying to prove themselves to me or one up me on everything;  or my favorite...spending their time, their energies and their resources on freeze dried bullshit that they have no intention in actually working through.  Or all of the above.   

Cutting these people loose didn't come easy.  Wish I could tell you it did.  But ... I can't!  But cutting them off has brought me a deeper peace and feeling of contentment, along with an expanded knowing that one day in the not too distant future...they too will come to discover genuine Self Love. 

Until that day arrives...I'm keeping a good healthy distance.  My gift to me for Valentine's!   

So is it selfishness to love yourself FIRST?  Well if you ever flown on a commercial air line you already know the emergency drill.  Put YOUR oxygen mask  on FIRST!   Then assist others in need!  Take a moment and think WHY.   And then go and contemplate the importance of loving your Own Self first.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Many, many, many years ago I was given a little self love exercise.  Each day I would stand in front of the mirror and state five (5) things I LOVE about My Self.   Now here's the catch.  The five things have to be about YOU and YOU ALONE!  

This is not about your kids, your pets, your spouse, your parents, siblings, etc., etc.  Just YOU!

Example:  I Love the way my eyes sparkle whenever I smile.   I love my sense of humor.  I love the color of my hair. I love  the shape of my nose.   I love how I can always find the good in any given situation. 

FYI:  These are actually things I love about me.  

Now there is another catch to this particular exercise.  *BIG Smile*  You have to look yourself in the eyes when saying what you love about your Self!    

In the beginning, try this exercise once a week and work your way up to doing it every day.  What do you have to lose?  Besides all those hang ups?  

*~*~*~*~*~*

To Love One's Self is a gift that keeps on giving.  It is a gift that inspires, motivates and lifts your Self and others higher.  Can't ask for a better Valentine's Day gift than that! 

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity.  Among Julia's literary accomplishments is  the  Children of the Luminaries  trilogy;  Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.   

Book Two  of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016.  The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape:  An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016.  As well as the Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's  Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse  Click HERE for the review; and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice  Click HERE    

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited


Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

10 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween can be a festive and fun time for children and families. But for pets? Let's face it, it can be a downright nightmare. Forgo the stress and dangers this year by following these 10 easy tips.

1. Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets.

All forms of chocolate -- especially baking or dark chocolate -- can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. And while xylitol toxicity in cats has yet to be established, it's better to be safe than sorry.

2. Don't leave pets out in the yard on Halloween.

Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable? Yes! But preventable nonetheless.

3. Keep pets confined and away from the door.

Not only will your door be constantly opening and closing on Halloween, but strangers will be dressed in unusual costumes and yelling loudly for their candy. This, of course, is scary for our furry friends. Dogs are especially territorial and may become anxious and growl at innocent trick-or-treaters. Putting your dog or cat in a secure room away from the front door will also prevent them from darting outside into the night … a night when no one wants to be searching for a lost loved one.

4. Keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and several days after Halloween.

Black cats are especially at risk from pranks or other cruelty-related incidents. In fact, many shelters do not adopt out black cats during the month of October as a safety precaution.

5. Keep Halloween plants such as pumpkins and corn out of reach.

Although they are relatively nontoxic, such plants can induce gastrointestinal upset should your pets ingest them in large quantities. Intestinal blockage can even occur if large pieces are swallowed. And speaking of pumpkins …

6. Don't keep lit pumpkins around pets.

Should they get too close, they run the risk of burning themselves or knocking it over and causing a fire.

7. Keep wires and electric light cords out of reach.

If chewed, your pet could cut himself or herself on shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

8. Don't dress your pet in a costume unless you know they'll love it.

If you do decide that Fido or Kitty needs a costume, make sure it isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict movement, hearing, or the ability to breathe or bark and meow.

9. Try on pet costumes before the big night.

If they seem distressed, allergic, or show abnormal behavior, consider letting them go in their “birthday suit”. Festive bandanas usually work for party poopers, too.

10. IDs, please!

If your dog or cat should escape and become lost, having the proper identification will increase the chances that they will be returned. Just make sure the information is up-to-date, even if your pet does have one of those fancy-schmancy embedded microchips.

Source: PetMD

5 Ways to Keep Pets Safe on Halloween

Halloween can be a fun event for families and their pets. However, if safety precautions aren’t taken, it can also be a hazardous time for our four-legged companions.

According to Dr. Justine Lee, a critical care specialist and associate director of Veterinary Services at Pet Poison Helpline, calls increase by 12 percent during the week of Halloween, making it the call center’s busiest time of year.

Here are some practical yet potentially life-saving tips that can help protect your pets on Halloween.

1. Dangerous Pet Costumes

Your safest choice in a pet Halloween costume would be a loosely tied bandana; however, if you choose to dress up your pet, outfit your dog or cat with a simple approach. Pets can become tangled in elaborate, tight-fitting costumes with strings, ties, belts and sashes. Difficulty in mobility can lead to bodily injury, including strangulation.

Never leave a pet unattended while wearing a costume. Small (or large) parts of a costume can become chewed and ingested and can in turn potentially lead to foreign body ingestion which can be life threatening to your pet.

2. Halloween Decorations and Fire Hazards

If you like to decorate your home in the Halloween spirit, take into consideration what you're putting on display and where the decorations will be placed. Easy-to-reach decorations — or candles — can be eaten or knocked over, potentially leading to choking, foreign body ingestion, electrical shock and even burns and a household fire.

Err on the side of caution while decorating and choose pet-safe products.

3. Noise Affects Pets

Dogs and cats can become skittish and anxiety ridden on Halloween due to the incessant ringing of the doorbell, constant squeals and chatter just outside the door, and small fireworks set off in the street.

In addition, the barrage of strangers dressed in unfamiliar and scary costumes can alarm some pets, increasing their anxiety. Take extra precaution on Halloween: gauge your pet's typical reaction while greeting visitors and decide if putting up a baby gate or leaving your dog or cat in a back room of the house would keep them calmer throughout the evening.

4. Candy and Chocolate Are Toxic

Candy and chocolate are never good for dogs or cats and on Halloween there is an increased chance that Fluffy and Fido may consume treats meant for tricksters.

• Chocolate and xylitol, a sweetener found in many candies, can be extremely toxic to pets.
• Lollipops and their sticks can be choking hazards and cause a painful obstruction or foreign body ingestion that may require surgery to remove.
• Candies wrapped in plastic and other types of wrapping can also lead to chocking or cause an obstruction and upset stomach.

Easy solutions to prevent accidental toxicity or ingestion:

• Keep pet-safe treats on hand to satisfy your curious pet.
• Make sure all candies are out of your pet's reach.
• Consider leaving your pet in another part of the house where exposure to hazards is impossible

5. Lost Pets

Halloween isn't an ideal time to let your dog or cat wander outside unattended. While there aren't any documented reports or statistics to indicate that pet abduction increases on Halloween, be mindful that a prankster or a mean-spirited individual could be inspired to mess with your pet.

Take caution and keep pets indoors with you, or escort them outside on a leash if you plan on including your pet in neighborhood festivities. Sudden noises and strange-looking costumes can also spook your pet, causing them to run away, therefore, it’s always a good idea to adorn your pet with a collar and identification tags in case you become separated.

If you haven’t already opted to have your pet microchipped, now is a great time. Should your pet become lost, an ID tag and/or a microchip can help quickly reunite you with your dog or cat.

Emergency Care is Available

Don’t wait to have your pet treated in the case of an emergency. Locate a 24-hour veterinary clinic if your family veterinarian is not available.

If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic substance during Halloween and you can’t see your veterinarian, contact the Pet Poison Helpline, a 24-hour service* that assists pet owners, veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are treating potentially poisoned pets.

SOURCE:  Veterinary Pet Insurance

MORE SAFETY TIPS FOR PET OWNERS

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/halloween-safety.html

http://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_halloween_safety_tips#.UnJXH3CkrYE

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/10-tips-to-protect-your-dog-on-halloween-night/page1.aspx

Halloween Safety Tips For Your Pets

There are many Halloween pet safety hazards related to this October holiday -- some are well-known (the dangers of chocolate toxicity), and some aren't. Learn what to be aware of to protect your pet and stay safe this year!

Things to Watch For on Halloween

Halloween is a fun time for kids and many adults, but can be a frightening and stressful time for your pets. As a pet owner, you know your pet best, but here are some points to consider for your pet's safety.

• Continual doorbell ringing and people at the door (in costume, no less!) can be stressful for a pet. Some pets may experience stress-related diarrhea or potentially injure themselves if crated or otherwise contained. Keep your pet in a quiet and safe place on Halloween.
• Strangers in costume - some animals may become unexpectedly aggressive or fearful, even normally friendly pets.
• Candles and Jack-O'-Lanterns within a pet's range are a fire hazard. Wagging tails and frightened cats zooming through the house can easily tip over a candle or carved pumpkin, causing burns or a fire.
• Keep your pets indoors on Halloween night, especially black cats. Animals are at risk for cruel treatment by some Halloween pranksters. Many adoption agencies and humane societies will not allow adoption of black cats around Halloween for this reason.
• Candy - For many people, Halloween = candy. Many pets have a sweet tooth. Please warn children not to share their goodies with the family pet.

Click HERE to Read More

Sources:

PETA

http://www.peta.org/features/halloween-animal-safety.aspx

About.Com:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/winterinfo/a/halloweensafety.htm