So glad you stopped by, I appreciate you and hope to see you again.
Melinda
Friday Quote 3/24/2023
Category: Fun
Wordless Wednesday *Psyco Jelly Fish
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate your comments.
Melinda
I’m Sending Good Karma To All
For those who are having a challenging day, close your eyes and change the scenery, even for a minute.
Life is like a swing, back and forth, not every day is a good day.
If you are having a great day, pass a kind thought on to others.
No matter how tiny the light will shine again. We have to live our best life and we can give back just by doing something kind to someone who needs it.
Melinda
Let’s Celebrate! It’s Looking for the Light’s 13th Blogversary
When I started blogging in 2005, it never occurred to me that blogging would take me so far. It was in 2014 that Looking for the Light was born. Every week I’m inspired by how you have moved forward in your life when coming out of trauma. I love the photographers I follow and these are a small example of what get’s me out of bed each day.
I love getting comments, just what’s on your mind after reading a post. Even when very sick in the past, I showed up when I could. I love learning, sharing, and having fun.
I want to thank my great followers, you make my day, every day.
Let’s see what the rest of 2023 brings! If you have a topic you like to read more about, please reach me thru my Contact page or leave a comment section in a post.
If congrats are due, then it’s congrats for all of us for Looking for the Light could not be here without you!
Melinda
Fun Facts
Thanks for stopping by today, I love hearing your comments each week.
Human beings can use only a small fraction of Earth’s water
Wally Amos is responsible for making more than just cookies famous
The brand name Spam is a combination of “spice” and “ham”
It takes a drop of water 90 days to travel the entire Mississippi River
People once ate arsenic to improve their skin
Melinda
Reference:
#Weekend Music Share-James Arthur Recovery and Falling like the Stars
Each week I showcase one of my favorite songs. I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. Have a great weekend.
Falling like the Stars (This is one of my favorites because it’s about love and the Military)
Recovery (If you’re recovered or recovering, this song is a must-listen)
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 3/17/2023
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments.
Melinda
Friday Is St. Patricks Day
St. Patricks Day is tomorrow and I thought a little background on the holiday would help. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of his death in the fifth century.
The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon.
The Chicago River Dyed Green
As Irish immigrants spread out over the United States, other cities developed their own traditions. One of these is Chicago’s annual dyeing of the Chicago River green. The practice started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river–enough to keep it green for a week. Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only 40 pounds of dye are used, and the river turns green for only several hours.
This is probably where green beer started for those who partake. I know over the years, when I drank and went to parties, no one thought about it being a religious holiday. Now we know.
I wish you a happy St. Patrick’s day and all the festivities.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Lady Bug
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate your comments.
Melinda
Today in History March 12, 2023
So glad you are enjoying the Today in History on Sundays, thanks for all the feedback.
1933
FDR broadcasts first “fireside chat” during the Great Depression
On March 12, 1933, eight days after his inauguration, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gives his first national radio address—or “fireside chat”—broadcast directly from the White House.
Roosevelt began that first address simply: “I want to talk for a few minutes with the people of the United States about banking.” He went on to explain his recent decision to close the nation’s banks in order to stop a surge in mass withdrawals by panicked investors worried about possible bank failures. The banks would be reopening the next day, Roosevelt said, and he thanked the public for their “fortitude and good temper” during the “banking holiday.”
1894
Coca-Cola sold in glass bottles for the first time
Though today there is almost nothing as ubiquitous as a bottle of Coca-Cola, this was not always the case. For the first several years of its existence, Coke was only available as a fountain drink, and its producer saw no reason for that to change. It was not until March 12, 1894 …read more
1969
London police conduct drug raid at home of George Harrison
The London drug squad appears at house of George Harrison and Pattie Boyd with a warrant and drug-sniffing canines. Boyd immediately used the direct hotline to Beatles headquarters and George returned to find his home turned upside down. He is reported to have told the officers …read more
1776
Public Notice urges recognition of “humane ladies”
On March 12, 1776, in Baltimore, Maryland, a public notice appears in local papers recognizing the sacrifice of women to the cause of the revolution. The notice urged others to recognize women’s contributions and announced, “The necessity of taking all imaginable care of those who may happen to be wounded in the country’s cause, urges us to address our humane ladies, to lend us their kind assistance in furnishing us with linen rags and old sheeting, for bandages.”
1930
Mohandas Gandhi begins 241-mile civil disobedience march
On March 12, 1930, Indian independence leader Mohandas Gandhi begins a defiant march to the sea in protest of the British monopoly on salt, his boldest act of civil disobedience yet against British rule in India. Britain’s Salt Acts prohibited Indians from collecting or selling …read more
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Jennifer Lopez Carpool Karaoke
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.
https://youtu.be/qQIsdod0LWo
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 3/10/2023
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Sydney Bridge at Sundown
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate your comments.
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-I Got You Babe – Sonny and Cher (Must See)
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 3/03/2023
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments.
Melinda
Yesterday, I Was A Champ!
My health has held me back for a long time but the last 6-8 months have been hell. It’s also had an impact on my mental health. I’m inside every day unless going to doctors and the salon, and the natural effect of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has added to my depression.
Today was the best day since I don’t know when. First I got up standard time and took all my medications, (Pat on the back). Then I got busy, and with the help of hubby, we changed the sheets and cleaned the entire bedroom. That feels so good!!!!!
I watered the inside plants and started cleaning up outside to be ready for Spring. I trimmed the rose and cleared the debris from the Lillies and several other flowers and plants.
I still have several plants, about 10 that I’m still protecting from the cold in the garage but they are all growing leaves. There is also another small rose bush and a mum to prepare. That’s for another good day.
I’ve included some photos for your entertainment. This amount of work was completed before noon before I became ill. My Fibromyalgia cooperated today.
Lillies
Small Rose
Beautiful Ivy
Monstera
Silver Satin Pothos
Huge Orchid
Small Rubber Tree
My favorite ZZ plant, it’s over 3 ft tall.
Mum
Most afternoons I rest in bed but not today. It’s 3:00 pm and I’m still going. I’m celebrating this day because they happen so rarely. Today I can feel good about all that was accomplished and I don’t feel the guilt that I often feel for spending so much time in bed.
Wishing you a great day, however, you spend it. You have good days ahead.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Sydney Opera House
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate your comments.
It’s not the best photo but it gives you the awe factor of the roof design.
Melinda
Friday Quote 2/24/2023
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Blue
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate your comments.
Melinda
Today in History February 19, 2023
So glad you are enjoying the Today in History on Sundays. Thanks for all the feedback.
1878
Thomas Edison patents the phonograph
The technology that made the modern music business possible came into existence in the New Jersey laboratory where Thomas Edison created the first device to both record sound and play it back. He was awarded U.S. Patent No. 200,521 for his invention—the phonograph—on February 19, …read more
1851
San Francisco vigilantes take the law into their own hands
An angry mob in San Francisco’s business district ”tries” two Australian suspects in the robbery and assault of C. J. Jansen. When the makeshift jury deadlocked, the suspects were returned to law enforcement officials. Jansen was working at his store at the corner of Montgomery …read more
1970
Chicago Seven sentenced
The Chicago Seven (formerly the Chicago Eight—one defendant, Bobby Seale, was being tried separately) are acquitted of riot conspiracy charges, but found guilty of inciting riot. The eight antiwar activists were charged with the responsibility for the violent demonstrations at …read more
1942
FDR orders Japanese Americans into internment camps
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Executive Order 9066, initiating a controversial World War II policy with lasting consequences for Japanese Americans. The document ordered the forced removal of resident “enemy aliens” from parts of the West vaguely …read more
1945
U.S. Marines invade Iwo Jima
Operation Detachment, the U.S. Marines’ invasion of Iwo Jima, is launched. Iwo Jima was a barren Pacific island guarded by Japanese artillery, but to American military minds, it was prime real estate on which to build airfields to launch bombing raids against Japan, only 660 …read more
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share-Joss Stone ft Rod Stewart – Hot legs
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.
https://youtu.be/-bPCz_rYRSM
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 2/17/2023
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments.
Melinda
Throwback Thursday
Here’s a triple of Shaggy, along with Guest Sting. Both have the most unique voices. Have fun, kick back, and jam until you have a big smile.
Melinda
Enhance Your Mind With Free Online Courses
I love Coursera! This is my go-to place for online learning! Many major universities teach courses through Coursera with top-tier professors.
This is a small sampling of the free online course providers, you can search and find many more options to suit your needs. Not all the courses listed are free but each has a nice selection of free courses.
Coursera
Coursera is a free learning site that offers MOOC courses from well-known universities. All Coursera courses contain pre-recorded video lectures that you can watch when it is convenient for you.
Coursera has programs with universities that allow you to get a Master’s Degree or specializations. You can explore various college courses without any hassle.
This site offers free programs from accredited institutions. These free certification courses online available on this platform are designed by a leading university.
Coursera Top Online Course Categories
- Arts and Humanities: History, Music and Art, Philosophy, etc.
- Business: Leadership and Management, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and more.
- Computer Science: Java, C++, Javascript, Blockchain, Linux, Data Science, IOT, etc.
- Information Technology: CyberSecurity, AWS, Google Cloud, SAP, and more.
- Health: Animal Health, Health Informatics, Healthcare Management, Nutrition, Patient Care, Psychology, etc.
- Science and Engineering: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, and more.
- Social Sciences: Economics, Education, Governance and Society, Law, etc.
- Language Learning: Learning English, Chinese, Korean, etc.
Link: https://www.coursera.org/
Harvard
CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science
Harvard CS50 is an entry-level free online computer science course that helps you to learn how you can think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.
It includes a problem set that is inspired by real-world domains of cryptography, biology, finance, forensics, and gaming. By registering for this online course, you will also participate in research about learning. Read our research statement to learn more.
Link: https://www.edx.org/course/cs50s-introduction-to-computer-science
Yale
The Science of Well-Being
This is a general course that helps you to increase your own inner happiness and how to build more productive and healthy habits. The course talks about the misconceptions regarding happiness, annoying features of the mind, that may lead us to think the way we should, and the research which helps us change. You are finally ready to incorporate a particular wellness activity to enhance the well-being of your life.
Key topics:
- Misconceptions about happiness
- Why do we mispredict what is the thing that makes us happy?
- How can we overcome our biases?
- How to improve our happiness?
- Putting Strategies into Practice
- How can you rely on others to change your behaviors?
- Lastly, you need to submit your final assignment
Features:
- 100% online courses
- Flexible Schedule
- Self-paced learning option
- Course videos and readings
- Assignments with peer feedback
- Graded quizzes with feedback
- Programming assignments
- Languages: English, Spanish, and French.
Rating: 4.9
Duration: Approx. 19 hours to complete
Fee: Free
Provider: Coursera
Certificate: Yes
Level: Beginner
Link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being
Rating: 4.9
Duration: Approx. 19 hours to complete
Fee: Free
Provider: Coursera
Certificate: Yes
Level: Beginner
Link: https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being
Udemy
Udemy is an online platform that helps you to create courses for categories like business, design, marketing, etc.
You can develop new skills and achieve their goals by learning from the extensive library of various courses. Subjects that are available in Udemy are taught by expert instructions.
The outline of free certificate courses can be viewed on all devices connected to the internet. You do not require any prequalification to take any course.
Udemy Top Online Course Categories
- Business: Finance, presentation skills, public speaking, financial analysis, entrepreneurship, writing, deep learning, SQL, machine learning, etc.
- Development: Game development, web development, programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Ruby, C#, Swift, etc.
- IT & Software: IT certification, cyber security, network and security, CCNA, etc.
- Teacher Training: Online course creation, presentation skills, instructional design, etc.
- Office Productivity: Google, Apple, Microsoft, SAP, etc.
- Personal Development: Career development, personal finance, study skills, productivity, leadership, and more.
- Design: UI design, web design, graphic design, drawing, design tools like Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc.
- Lifestyle: Arts & crafts, training, gaming, travel, etc.
- Marketing: Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), mobile marketing, product marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, marketing fundamentals, etc.
- Languages: English, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, etc.
- Photography: Digital photography, commercial photography, photography tools, video design, etc.
- Health & Fitness: Yoga, meditation, self-defense, nutrition, etc.
- Music: Music techniques, instruments like piano, guitar, music software, music fundamentals, and more.
Link: https://www.udemy.com/courses/free/
EDX
This site contains a weekly subject sequence. It includes a short video with learning exercises. The platform provides video tutorials, which are similar to the on-campus discussion group and a textbook. It has an online discussion forum where students can post the questions to teaching assistants. It offers free online courses with a certificate of completion.
Edx Top Online Course Categories
- Architecture
- Art & Culture
- Biology & Life Sciences
- Business & Management
- Computer Science
- Data Analysis & Statistics
- Design
- Economics & Finance
- Education & Teacher Training
- Engineering
- Food & Nutrition
- Health & Safety
- Language
- Literature
- Medicine
- Music
- Philanthropy
- Philosophy & Ethics
- Science & Social Sciences and more
Link: https://www.edx.org/
Wharton’s Applied Knowledge Capstone
Wharton’s Applied Knowledge Capstone Project enables you to apply your analytic skills to real business challenges – including your own. You’ll use your newly earned business skills to thoughtfully evaluate a real situation or opportunity from Wharton-governed companies like Shazam and SnapDeal.
Skills You Will Gain
Financial Accounting, Accounting, Finance, Marketing
This Course includes full Specialization, Shareable Certificates, Self-Paced Learning Option Course Videos & Readings, Practice Quizzes, Graded Assignments with Peer Feedback, Graded Quizzes with Feedback, and Graded Programming Assignments.
Business Foundations Specialization
Stanford
Our free online courses provide you with an affordable and flexible way to learn new skills and study new and emerging topics. Learn from Stanford instructors and industry experts at no cost to you.
Berkeley
On-Demand Training to Reduce Workplace Conflict
LinkedIn Learning Courses:
Free with LinkedIn Learning Account-
Learn how to activate your account(link is external)
- Conflict Resolution Foundations(link is external)
- Managing Team Conflict(link is external)
- Curated Conflict Management Learning Path by UC Berkeley(link is external)
- Improving Your Listening Skills(link is external)
- Leading Virtual Meetings(link is external)
UC Berkeley
Publicly Accessible Free Online Courses
This section provides links to publicly accessible free e-learning courses as well as links to courses accessible through Regional Training Academies. Some courses are more simplistic in nature and will not require specialized software or equipment. Video and audio clips may be included in other courses and may require additional software or equipment.
The following courses were developed specifically to educate and train social workers in these content areas:
- Child welfare
- Mental and Behavioral Health
They are offering free to the public in hopes that the content will prove useful for other members of the CalSWEC community—foster parents, resource families, public health nurses, Tribal members, juvenile probation officers, and others.
Expand your life!
Melinda
Tips To Improve Your Wellbeing This Winter
Many people can fall into a slump during the colder winter months when there is less sunlight and motivation is low, but there are some easy ways to lift your spirits.
Create a vision board
A good way to raise yourself from a slump is to create a vision board. A vision board is a collection of images and keywords that you design and assemble on a large piece of paper, for example, which visualizes your hopes and dreams for the future. Vision boards are motivational, particularly when you lose sight of what you are working for. They are equally beneficial when life becomes a little monotonous.
Some ideas to include in a vision board are career aspirations, travel plans, and personal growth targets.
Making a vision board can calm your mind, as it taps into your creativity and helps you focus on your current action. Plus, seeing your finished work day after day is sure to encourage inspiration.
Photo by Mikechie Esparagoza from Pexels
Chat with a friend or companion
It’s important to reach out to friends, relatives, or companions when you are feeling low. Even if you are feeling cheerful, getting in contact with someone you have not spoken to in a while might raise their spirits without you even realizing it.
As we get older, we tend to get stuck in our daily routines and forget that life is about connections and relationships. Older adults can especially yearn for a chat, or for a helping hand, which is why Seniors Helping Seniors is an invaluable service.
Practice physical fitness activities you enjoy
‘Going for a run’ is easier said than done for a lot of us. Especially in the cold, wet weather, running can be a real drag. However, there are plenty of alternative sports and fitness activities that will make you forget you’re even exercising – you’ll be having that much fun.
For one, dancing is a great way to release energy and work up a sweat with a smile on your face. You don’t need a studio to let your hair down, dancing in your room is encouraged. Whack on your favorite tunes and spend 20 minutes to an hour moving about to the music.
If mobility is an issue for you, swimming is an excellent way to stay fit and prevent any muscle or joint discomfort.
Walking and power-walking are also other ways to get your daily exercise without it seeming too strenuous. For those busy days, this activity can tie in with work or socializing, as you could schedule a walking meeting or catch-up. Or, if you need a break from everything, going for a solo walk is a sure way to clear your head. You could even find a scenic route and make a trip out of it, rather than just walking around the block.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
Do something that makes you laugh
A simple way to distract yourself from the winter blues is to have a giggle. So, get comfy and pick a comedy film or stand-up show you know you will like, and even if you can’t muster a belly laugh, just feeling yourself smile can brighten your mood.
There are also plenty of apps and old-school games that will have you rolling on the floor laughing with friends or family. For smartphone users, try Heads Up!, it’s like a digital version of charades that can be played anywhere. Or if you’re at home, a card game like Snap or Uno is sure to cheer you up.
Maximize your sunlight hours
Going to bed early is never more important than in the winter. Our well-being depends on us getting a decent amount of sleep. For some people that means 8 hours of shuteye, for others, it’s more.
Find out what works for you, and go to bed at a time that allows for a full 8+ hours of sleep until daybreak, so the sunrise works as a natural alarm clock. Seeing a full day’s worth of sunlight can improve your mood dramatically. This is because catching the sun’s rays each day is associated with an increased level of serotonin in the body, a hormone that stabilizes our feelings of well-being.
Photo by Jonathan Petersson from Pexels
Journal or talk it out
If you have considerable worries, or stress is getting on top of you. It’s a good idea to let out your thoughts and emotions either via pen or verbally with a counselor or therapist. Writing or talking about it can help you release negative feelings and therefore improve your well-being.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *Yosemite Falls
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate your comments.
Yosemite Falls from afar.
Melinda
Fun Facts
Thanks for stopping by today. I love hearing your comments each week after learning some interesting things.
The Philippines consists of 7,641 islands
A one-way trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway involves crossing 3,901 bridges
The Golden Girls was supposed to have a different theme song
There’s enough gold inside Earth to coat the planet
Cleveland was once the country’s fifth-largest city
Enjoy!
Melinda
Reference:
#Weekend Music Share-The Beatles -Come Together *What America Needs!
I’m so glad you dropped by today, thank you. I hope you have a great weekend.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Melinda
Friday Quote 2/10/2023
Hey! So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday *The White House
I’m so happy you dropped by today, I appreciate you and love your comments each week.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 