Melissa J. Murphy
Melissa Murphy is a life coach and freelance writer. She has ghost written for many prominent websites and is currently the Senior Contributing Writer for NextGenerationParenting.org.
Read More »
...
- Page Views
- 37,252
- Content
- 145
- Fans
- 6
- Contributor since
- 1/12/2009
Education/Experience
Psychology, Life Coaching, Faith Based Counseling, Stress ManagementInterests
people, spirituality, psychology, personal growth and development, cooking, gardening, health, many moreMotto
Give a man a fish; feed him for today. Teach a man to fish; feed him for a lifetime.
Fans
Displaying Results 1 - 145 (of 145) for All Content
-
Tips for Getting Kids to Eat Their VeggiesAt times, getting kids to eat healthily can seem impossible. Here are some ways to sneak veggies into your child’s diet. -
Home and Garden: Visiting a Pick-Your-Own Strawberry FarmLooking for a fun family activity? Visit a local pick-your-own strawberry farm. -
Lowering Blood Pressure NaturallyHigh blood pressure can increase your risk for more than just a heart attack or stroke.
-
Prize-Winning, Super-Easy Chili RecipeYour family will love this easy recipe. -
Wedding Trends: Choreographed DancesYou want your wedding to be unique and memorable, right? A great way to do this is to choreograph a dance at your wedding like these people did. -
Tax Checklist: Don't Overlook These Important DeductionsTo come out ahead on your taxes, you have to take all the deductions you can. -
Holiday Stress: 4 "Don'ts"Do you find yourself running around like a hamster on a wheel during the holidays? If you do, you are not alone. Many people who are already busy find the holidays simply overwhelming, even to the point of dread. -
A Brief History of Marijuana Use in Ancient AfricaMarijuana has long been associated with religious practices in ancient cultures. -
Kid's Crafts: How to Make a "Thankful" TreeTeach your child the meaning of Thanksgiving with a fun and easy crafts project.
-
Peanut Butter Pumpkins with Rice Krispy Treat Hay BalesWant a show stopping display? Arrange these tasty little peanut butter pumpkins around equally delicious hay bales topped with toasted coconut.
-
Easiest Ever Kid Crafts: Lollipop GhostsDo you need a Halloween craft that is easy for young children to do? Kids will love making these adorable lollipop ghosts.
-
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: a Sweet and Savory RecipeToasting pumpkin seeds is a great way to make a special snack during the fall holidays. With different spices, this recipe can be changed in a number of ways. -
Halloween Treats: Witch's Finger CookiesThese cookies are great Halloween treats. -
Kid-Friendly Halloween Crafts: How to Make a Balloon GhostThis simple craft is perfect for ages 3 and up. -
Foods for Better Eye HealthResearchers and scientists are now linking good eye health to diet. A diet rich in certain key ingredients will help prevent future eye disease, and improve existing diseases. -
Focus: How We Pay AttentionKnowing how our brain goes about choosing what to focus on can help to teach us how to engage our uniquely human characteristic of choosing what to focus on, thus improving our quality of lives. -
Best Ways to Save Money on GasWith rising cost of living prices, people sometimes have to get creative when it comes to saving. Learn to save money on gasoline with these 10 tips.
-
Life Lessons from the RecessionJust like other hardships, the current economic recession contains a host of valuable lessons.
-
Using Your Imagination to Change Your LifeThe capacity to imagine is the key to shaping your life and reaching your goals.
-
How to Stop Emotional EatingIf you are among the millions of Americans who are having trouble managing their weight because of emotional eating, you are not alone. Experts believe that up to 75% of overeating that results in weight management problems is spawned by negative emotions. Weight issues aren't the only problem with
-
A Brief History of Zucchini and a Great Casserole RecipeZucchini is not only easy to cultivate, but it is also versatile, delicious and nutritious.
-
Protecting Hair from Heat DamageBlow drying, straightening, curling. It all adds up to heat-damaged hair.
-
Defining the Strong-Willed ChildDoes your child resist authority and display extreme self-determination and persistence? You may be the parent of a strong-willed child.
-
Tips for Making Iced Coffee at HomeIced coffee is a refreshing drink that can easily be made at home.
-
Yellow Squash Dessert RecipeWho ever heard of making dessert from veggies? This recipe is an easy, delicious must-try.
-
Detox Dieting: the BasicsFactors such as environmental pollutants, stress and poor diet can significantly contribute to a toxic body.
-
How to Dry Herbs at HomeDon't ever let an over-abundance of herbs from the garden or supermarket ruin. Making your own dried herbs is a simple process.
-
Is Cancer Too Profitable to Cure?Why would the FDA sabotage the the research efforts of a promising new cancer drug that has been proven to cure many?
-
The Secret of the Law of AttractionAlthough much has been written about the law of attraction, many people still don't realize how to use this universal law to full advantage.
-
Improving Your Poetry Writing SkillsBeing a poet comes naturally for some, but others have to hone their skills.
-
3 Steps to Improving Your RelationshipAll experience derived from human interaction has the potential to be extremely challenging. The fact is that any relationships can be difficult. Whether we are talking about a marriage, a parent/child relationship or a friendship, problems can and do arise from time to time. With just a few simple
-
Landscape Problems: How to Improve Dry SoilThe ideal soil is composed of equal parts of sand, silt, clay and loam, but few property owners are fortunate enough to have the perfect foundation for their greenery.
-
5 Ways to Speed MetabolismWhile it may be true that your metabolism slows down with age, it is also true that you can take steps to speed it up in order to burn more fat. On average, people over forty can lose about a half pound of muscle per year. This loss is mainly caused by the natural decline in activity. As muscles are
-
5 Ways to Speed Your MetabolismA number of factors contribute to slower metabolisms. Altering exercise routines and making simple lifestyle changes can help keep the metabolic fires burning.
-
Preventing and Treating a Bed Bug InfestationBed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded animals. As the name suggests, their favorite habitation is on bedding including mattresses, bed linens, and sofas, as well as other pieces of upholstered furniture. Where bed bugs are concerned, preventing an
-
Preventing and Treating a Bed Bug InfestationPrevention is the key when it comes to dealing with bed bugs.
-
Bananas for Beauty and HealingBananas are not only a healthy nutritious snack but they have many beauty applications as well as ingredients that are proven to have healing properties and are soothing to a number of skin conditions. Banana Peels
-
Mind and Body: 7 Ways to Start Your Day in a Healthy WayMany people start and end their day feeling sluggish, overworked and drained. Much of this lack of energy can be effectively eliminated with a good start in the morning. Here are 7 ways to get your day started off right. ...........read more
-
Backyard Gardening: A Beginner's GuideA big mistake for first-time gardeners is starting too large. The allure of growing bountiful crops and beautiful blooms causes beginners to make lofty garden plans that end up being too much to maintain. The best advice is to start small and add to your garden as your confidence builds. Raised Bed
-
How to Be Your Own Life CoachLife coaching is a unique phenomenon that has continued to gain popularity over the last several decades as people from all walks seek greater levels of success and a deeper understanding of themselves. Although professional life coaches are specially trained to bring out the best in their clients,
-
Landscape Problems: How to Improve Dry SoilWhether it is made of sand, silt, clay or loam, soil is the foundation for every garden, flower bed and yard. Healthy, productive plants start with the right kind of soil. Ideally, soil is made up of equal parts of sand, silt, clay and loam, but, more often than not, home gardeners find that their s
-
Relationship Skills: Validating OthersLearning the art of validation can result in a win/win situation for every relationship.
-
How to Increase Productivity by Sleeping LessAlthough experts say that most people need between seven and nine hours a night, sleep needs can vary greatly between individuals. Getting a sufficient amount of sleep is one of the most important factors affecting good mental and physical health. Necessary for the proper functioning of physiologic
-
How to Increase Productivity by Sleeping LessSleep is one of the most important factors influencing health and well-being, but is it possible to train yourself to get by on less sleep?
-
Personal Finance 101: 3 Basic PrinciplesIn the world of personal finance, there are a few things that everyone should be doing to ensure fiscal health and longevity. If more people would take a few simple steps like evaluating their spending habits, reducing their personal debt-load, and saving up a few months of living expenses, they wou
-
Personal Finance 101: 3 Basic PrinciplesIn the personal finance arena, there are some practices that everybody should consider implementing.
-
Mastering the Mind: A Perspective on Happiness and SuccessMastering the mind is a trait of successful people. They understand the workings of the mind's unlimited power. The trick is to focus on and learn to use the faculties of the conscious and subconscious. Joseph Murphy, Ph.D, in his wonderful book, "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind", compared the b
-
Green Living: Better Ways to CleanAdding some green to your cleaning routine could also save you some green. Using simple ingredients like baking soda and vinegar are earth-friendly and economical.
-
Green Living: Uses for Egg CartonsGreen living is about recycling, and re-purposing various materials. Here are some suggestions for re-using egg cartons made from degradable cardboard and Styrofoam.
-
Technology: Energy Saving Practices for Your ComputerHow can you save more on the amount of energy your computer consumes? Follow these three practical tips and you will be on your way to reducing your computer's energy use.
-
Basic Backyard Gardening ToolsWhile there are many fancy tools on the market that a backyard gardener could buy, there are really only a few that are really necessary to be successful.
-
Can Standing Up More Often Prevent a Heart Attack?Did you know that sitting too long can increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes and obesity?
-
Backyard Gardening: a Beginner's GuideThe key to successful gardening for beginners is not to start too large. As your skill at gardening increases so can your garden space.
-
Skin Care: Shea Butter from the Karite TreeShea butter is made from the fruit of the Karite tree which is native to Africa. Here are some more interesting facts about the Karite tree.
-
A Guide to Lucid DreamingWhile achieving lucidity in dreams may come naturally for some, most people must develop specific skills to have lucid dreams.
-
Fabulous, Low-Calorie, Non-Dairy, Chocolate Shake RecipeThis is a healthy, delicious, low-calorie, dairy-free alternative to milk shakes.
-
Mind and Body: 7 Ways to Start Your Day in a Healthy WayMany people suffer from chronic stress and tension that leads them to feel drained and exhausted much of the time. Developing better habits in the first hour after waking can give you more energy and boost your mood, ensure a healthy, happy day.
-
Can Sleeping in Darkness Reduce Your Cancer Risk?Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland. Studies conducted on melatonin indicate that it may play a significant role in reducing the growth rate of certain cancer cells.
-
Aromatherapy: What is Essential Oil?Essential oils are the basis for aromatherapy, but they also play an important role in nature.
-
A Concise History of AromatherapyPracticed from antiquity, aromatherapy is the art of using aromatic compounds, extracted from plant material, as a healing modality.
-
Family Life: Tips for Living on One IncomeBecoming a single-income family can be a tough transition. To make the most out of this lifestyle, plan on sticking to a budget and taking some steps to cut back on expenses.
-
Preparing Toddlers for Preschool: Bathroom BasicsToddlers need a certain set of skills before entering preschool or kindergarten.
-
The History and Cultivation of the Stevia PlantOf late, the Stevia plant has gotten much attention and praise as a sugar substitute, but Stevia is not new. Ancient Indian tribes from South America have used it for centuries.
-
How to Connect Nintendo Wii to Wireless InternetWith a few easy steps, your Nintendo Wii can be hooked up to your wireless internet connection.
-
The Difference Between COPD and AsthmaAlthough asthma and COPD have many of the same symptoms, they are not the same. These two conditions differ mainly in terms of their onset as well as their ability to be reversed.
-
Life Coaching: Can I Coach Myself?Many people don't realize that, with a little bit of discipline, they can learn to coach themselves
-
Rules that Govern the Subconscious MindBy learning about the influence of our subconscious mind, we can become empowered to make changes that will make a monumental difference in the quality of our lives.
-
Parenting: Using Positive RewardWould it surprise you to find out that training children can be much like training animals?
-
Motivation: 5 Ways to Gain Focus and Reach Your GoalsSuccess doesn't just happen and goals don't reach themselves. It takes awareness, understanding and focus.
-
Relationships: Validation Creates a Win/Win SituationCommunication in a relationship does not only consist of being able to talk. It also means being able to validate another's thoughts and feelings.
-
Successfully Staying in Shape During the WinterStaying fit in winter can be a challenge. Here are a few tips for maintaining fitness during the cold winter months.
-
The Role of Dreams in Edgar Allen Poe's WorldEdgar Allen Poe used dreams to blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
-
Tips for Reducing Holiday StressIt's the season to celebrate family, friends and the spirit of gift giving. However, all too often, excessive stress and anxiety accompany this beautiful season.
-
Holiday Overindulgence: What to Do when You Eat Too MuchAlmost everybody eats too much at holidays, but what can you do when you've blown it? Here are a few no-nonsense tips to recovering from holiday food filled festivities.
-
Backyard Chicken Farming: a Guide to Caring for Laying HensIn this guide to caring for laying hens, learn the nutritional and housing requirements of chickens as well as how to keep their environment clean.
-
Should Your Company Send Christmas Cards?If you are tempted to reduce business costs this holiday season by not sending Christmas cards, you might want to think again.
-
Leftover Turkey Recipes Using Bok ChoyHere are two delicious recipes for incorporating leftover turkey from holiday feasts. Both use bok choy or Chinese white cabbage which is delicious and nutritious.
-
The Difference Between Black, Green and White TeaDid you know that whether you are drinking black, green or white tea, it comes from the same plant? The difference between teas comes from the way it is processed.
-
The Difference Between Free Range and Organic ChickenIt is not uncommon to see terms like "free range", "cage free" and "organic" on poultry products, but what exactly do those terms mean?
-
Optimizing Communication in a MarriageCommunication is vitally important to any relationship. This article outlines three important characteristics of good communication as well as offering tips for becoming a better communicator.
-
Preparing and Carving PumpkinsMake pumpkin carving a great experience for the whole family. This article outlines guidelines for choosing, preparing, and carving pumpkins. Also included are tips for extending the life of your Harvest creations.
-
Healthier Trick or TreatingChange Halloween trick or treat traditions by getting creative with healthier edible treats as well as non edibles. This article suggests a sampling healthier snacks as well as listing some fun non edibles.
-
Top 7 Reasons to Eat Apples"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." This article outlines in bulleted form 7 of the best reasons to include delicious and versatile apples into a healthy diet.
-
Fall Activities: How to Make Autumn Leaf RubbingsLeaf rubbings are easy for kids of all ages to craft in 4 easy steps.
-
The Ancient Roots of HalloweenHalloween traditions are a combination of religious and cultural traditions dating back thousands of years.
-
Care for Different Complexion TypesThe way you care for your face will depend on what kind of complexion you have.
-
Fall Activities: Roasting Pumpkin SeedsKids will enjoy this fun fall activity.
-
America's Obsession with VampiresCurrently our society is enjoying a resurgence in vampire lore. This article explores some of the reasons for this revival. Is it a quest for spirituality or an attempt to satisfy an emotional need?
-
Bananas for Beauty and HealingBananas are not only nutritious for your physical body but they also have many topical uses for health and beauty.
-
Addiction Series: Defining and Recognizing AddictionLearning about addiction is one of the best ways to combat it. Here is some interesting information concerning different kinds of addictions.
-
Addiction Series: Some Alarming StatisticsProblems regarding addiction are becoming rampant in our society. Here are some statistics you may find interesting.
-
The Psychology Behind Celebrity WorshipPeople seemingly worship all types of celebrities from film stars to sports stars but is there a healthy level of celebrity worship?
-
Body Language: Detecting LiesAlthough not infallible, learning some principles of body language can be helpful in determining if somebody is lying or not.
-
Popular Misconceptions About VeggiesFresh or frozen? Cooked or raw? This article explores some of the misconceptions people have concerning vegetables.
-
Weight Loss: Stopping the Cycle of Emotional EatingAre you really hungry or are you searching to fill an emotional void? Awareness is the first step to stopping the cycle of emotional eating.
-
3 Reasons Why People SmokeSmoking is responsible for about 90% of lung cancer deaths as well as being the primary factor in many emphysema and heart disease cases.
-
Resveratrol: is Red Wine the Best Way to Get It?Resveratrol, a powerful compound found in the skin and seeds of grapes has many health benefits but what is the best way to get it?
-
Weight Loss: Tips for Staying EncouragedHere are a few tips to keep you motivated and encouraged while on your weight loss journey.
-
Vitamin C: to Supplement or Not?Understanding the complex components of vitamin C and how they work in our bodies will help us make informed decisions about whether we should get our vitamin C naturally or in supplement form.
-
Dietary Considerations for Managing Postpartum DepressionDo you have the "baby blues"? You are not alone. Up to 75% of women experience some depression after giving birth. Learn how to combat postpartum depression naturally.
-
Simple Ways to Repair and Reverse Skin DamageIn our toxic environment it may seem impossible to have healthy skin. Follow these simple and inexpensive tips and your skin will thank you.
-
Parenting: Potty Training BasicsBasic potty training includes acknowledging a child's need for independence and the ability to verbally communicate his needs.
-
The Roots of Self-EsteemThis article explores the roots of self esteem as well as outlining three points of consideration for building a healthy sense of self worth.
-
The History and Health Benefits of FlaxseedWhat is one of the newest "super" foods? Flaxseed, of course. This article explores in brief the history and ancient medicinal use of flaxseed as well as three of its main health promoting ingredients.
-
Parenting: Developing a Child's Desire to ReadDeveloping a child's desire to read equates to laying a foundation for your child to succeed. Here are five practical tips parents can implement for developing a reading culture at home.
-
Understanding the Stages of RelationshipsHealthy long lasting relationships evolve in stages. This article outlines the five stages of a relationship, providing individuals with valuable information concerning the difficulties associated with long term relationships.
-
How to Easily Make a House Cleaning ScheduleThis article outlines 7 steps to making a house cleaning schedule that will make the task of housekeeping more efficient and manageable.
-
Tips For Stress-Free Family VacationsWhen a family goes on vacation for a week or longer there is normally a pretty major break in the usual routines which could result in stressful situations, especially for children.
-
Is Dementia Contagious?Often overlooked is the fact that caregivers of dementia patients are exposed to increased risk of becoming the victims of dementia.
-
Home Organization: More Closet Organizing IdeasIn this short article 5 organizing tips are offered for people who have cleaned their closets but still deal with too much clothing.
-
Home Organization: the ClosetCleaning out cluttered closets can be an intimidating experience. Follow these seven tips for successfully cleaning and organizing closets.
-
The History and Health Benefits of BananasThe banana has an interesting history as well as enjoying a reputation as a "perfect food". Even the peel of this delicous tropical fruit has benefits.
-
Bullies in Schools and in the WorkplaceBullies are people who intentionally try to hurt and manipulate other people in order to dominate a situation. Not just seen on school playgrounds anymore, bullies also plague adults in offices and workplaces.
-
High Protein Diets: Good or Bad?This article discusses the function of protein, good sources of protein and a good rule of thumb for getting enough protein. In addition, there are four health risks associated with consuming too much protein outlined.
-
An Introduction to ConsciousnessThe human brain has always been a hot topic. Ancient philosophers and modern day pychologists alike have studied the traits that make us human such as our sense of awareness and our ability to interpret our environment.
-
Veggie Myths: Iceberg Lettuce Has No Nutritional ValueThis brief article outlines 6 health benefits and nutrients contained in iceberg lettuce.
-
Stay at Home Parenting: What's Your Focus?With more parents opting to find ways to spend more time with their pre-schoolers by not working or working from home, organization and focus is a must. Here are a few pointers on what to focus on and how to organize your time.
-
Focus Series: Emotional RealityOur emotions are to our inner world what our senses are to our outer world. Learn why we have negative emotions and what they can do for us.
-
Parenting: Understanding the Psychological Needs of Your ChildMost loving well-intentioned parents do their best to meet their children´s needs but psychologists say that there are some particular elements that contribute to the optimum psychological growth of children.
-
Calcium: What Does it Do and How to Get EnoughWhy is calcium so important and where do we get it? How much calcium do we need and what happens when we don't get enough? With calcium being the most abundant mineral in the human body, it is helpful to know the answers to these questions
-
Weight Loss: Maximizing Calorie BurnAs research into health and fitness continues, new knowledge of how our bodies make and use fuel can help people build a fitness plan that burns the maximum amount of calories in the shortest amount of time.
-
Healing Herbs: the History and Health Benefits of OreganoFrom its ancient Greek origin to its many modern uses, oregano is becoming a more viable alternative as a home remedy.
-
How Houstonians Quit SmokingEverybody knows that smoking is one of the hardest addictions to conquer. While some people find that they can quit "cold turkey", most people must reduce their smoking gradually until they finally quit. Having a plan is essential to successful smoking cessation.
-
Having Too Many Choices Can Lead to AnxietyHaving a myriad of choices is an esteemed luxury in our society but how much is too much?
-
Is Wealth the Key to Happiness?With standards of living up, why aren't people happier?
-
Backyard Gardening: Growing TomatoesLearn growing requirements for tomatoes and grow them successfully in your backyard.
-
Developing the "Action" HabitFollowing the example of successful people is a good practice. One thing that successful people have in common is a propensity toward "action".
-
Understanding Obstructive Sleep ApneaObstructive sleep apnea sometimes inhibits a good night's sleep. Find out the causes and what you can do about it.
-
How Childhood Sibling Relationships Can Affect Adult BehaviorChildhood sibling relationships can psychologically, emotionally and socially affect children for the rest of their lives. Parents can play a role in influencing the positivity of their children's relationship with each other.
-
The Psychology of ChangeWhy is it that in our ever-changing world some changes elude us. We know we need to do things like modify our diet and quit smoking, but how? Learning about the psychological process of change can help.
-
Cleansing Your Colon Using Olive OilWhile there are many methods of colon cleansing, one of the fastest and easiest ways is by using olive oil.
-
Resolutions: Getting Yourself Back on TrackAre you feeling remorse regarding your resolutions? Changing your perspective could give you the confidence boost you need to get back on track.
-
The History and Health Benefits of CinnamonCinnamon, well-known for its culinary use, is also proving to be a home remedy for a number of health concerns.
-
New Year's Resolutions: 5 Tips for Making Them and Keeping ThemDoes anybody keep New Year's resolutions anymore? With the right tools and knowledge, you can make lasting changes and finally keep your New Year's resolutions.
-
Overcoming Fear Using Replacement StrategyMany people suffer from the debilitating effects of fear. By using a simple replacement strategy many sufferers will be able to overcome their fear and live more enjoyable lives.
-
Marriage Tips: Controlling Partners, Self-Esteem and DifferentiationLearning key elements of a healthy marriage such as self-esteem and differentiation can go a long way in dealing with some of these difficulties that arise in marriage.
-
You Are What You ThinkThoughts are the precursors to feelings and subsequent actions. Changing your thoughts is the key to changing your life.
-
The Psychology of Color: How Does it Affect You?Color has a profound affect on the way we see the world - physically and emotionally.
-
Easy Stress Management StrategiesWhile stress is a common dilemma, how to deal with it is not as common. Learn to use stress management strategies to combat the debilitating effects of stress.
-
3 Steps to Improving Your RelationshipsRelationships can be tough! With a few simple considerations your relationships can be transformed into the meaningful experiences that they were meant to be.
-
The Metamorphosis of a TeenagerTeenage years are tough! Understanding the why's can sometimes ease the burdens on parents.
-
Mastering the Mind: A Perspective on Happiness and SuccessThoughts affect our everyday life and are the vehicles that can improve our habits and behaviour. Master them through meditation and knowledge.
-
Relationships: A Mother's Influence in Her Son's LifeMothers determine to a large extent how a son feels about himself and how he relates to other women, especially his wife.
-
The Benefits of Self-AcceptanceBecoming a happy, confident person begins with accepting yourself as a unique individual. With a few simple exercises, you too can increase the quality of your life.
-
Redefining Success in Today's SocietyAs workplace stress and the demand of time for money take their toll on people's lives, many are setting new priorities. Some people are taking a step back from consumerism and investing in a more lasting and satisfying commodity: human relationships.
