Cassidy B, Author at Pucker Mob

Tips & Tricks to Make Your Workouts More Exciting

Workouts can become tedious at times, especially if you repeat the same routine every day. The initial excitement wears off, and it is easy to lose motivation. But it does not have to be this way. Your fitness program can become an activity you enjoy rather than merely another chore on your to-do list by making small modifications. Including diversity, entertaining challenges, and new elements will help you rediscover your passion for fitness while staying motivated and energized.

Switch Up Your Scenery for a Fresh Perspective

Changing your surroundings is one of the simplest ways to reinvigorate your workout routine. Try exercising outside rather than in the same gym or at-home configuration. Adventure is added whether one runs or walks across a park, hikes a fresh track, or bikes along a picturesque road. The fresh air and change of surroundings might improve your attitude and help the training to seem less regimented. If outdoor exercise is not possible, try a new gym or another area of your house. Rearranging your space or using ambient lighting or music will also help to create a more pleasant environment, which will help you to remain motivated and involved.

Incorporate Fun Challenges and Games into Your Routine

Including a playful component to your exercises will help your otherwise boring chore become an exciting, competitive experience. Create personal goals, including striving to surpass your record for distance, time, or repetitions. Think about signing up for a fitness challenge among friends or relatives so you can encourage one another and take advantage of some friendly competition. Fitness apps that transform your exercise into a game also reward you for success and advancement. These minor adjustments instill a sense of purpose and accomplishment, making the workout feel like an exciting game rather than just exercise. You’ll find yourself pushing harder without even realizing it by keeping it light and enjoyable.

Experiment with New Workouts and Exercise Styles

Monotony is the enemy of motivation, so break free from your usual routine and try something completely new. If you run regularly, mix things with a dance class or try swimming. If weightlifting is your preferred activity, think about including a yoga class or a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program. Trying different workout methods not only tests your body in new ways but also keeps your mind active. It’s an opportunity to learn new skills, discover hidden talents, and figure out what you enjoy most about fitness. Targeting several muscle groups also helps balance an exercise program and increase general fitness.

Use Music and Technology to Elevate Your Experience

The right music can change your workout and provide the drive and energy you need to complete even the hardest activities. Use programs that create a playlist depending on your tastes or compile playlists full of energetic tunes to match the intensity of your exercise. Syncing your movements to the beat of the music can make the workout feel more rhythmic and fun. Additionally, you can benefit from technology such as fitness trackers and apps that offer guided workouts, track your progress, and give feedback. Interactive classes and virtual reality exercises provide a special twist that increases the immersive and interesting aspect of fitness. Including music and technology gives you even more fun that keeps your body moving and your mind focused.

Prioritize Comfort and Confidence with the Right Workout Gear

Your performance and satisfaction during an exercise can be much influenced by the clothes you wear. Choosing comfortable, well-fitting workout clothes for older women allows you to move freely and concentrate on your workout without distractions. Appropriate workout attire not only improves comfort but also confidence, thereby helping you to feel good about yourself as you exercise. Breathable materials, smart designs, and useful features catered to your needs produce a fun and useful exercise environment. Making the appropriate gear investments helps you to easily meet your training objectives and stay motivated and dedicated to your health journey.

Conclusion

Revitalizing your workout routine does not necessitate a major overhaul; rather, it entails making small, enjoyable changes that make exercise feel like a rewarding part of your day. You create an interesting and dynamic experience by changing the surroundings, adding challenges, attempting different styles, employing music and technology, and including social components. Instead of dreading your workout, you’ll begin to look forward to it because it provides an opportunity to have fun, relieve stress, and care for your body. With a little creativity and a new perspective, your workouts can become one of the highlights of your daily schedule.

8 Creative Ideas for Personalizing Your Wedding Bands

Selecting wedding bands is an intimate decision that symbolizes the couple and the love that they share. It is not just choosing a ring; it is creating an emblem that captures the essence of your partnership. The individuality of the wedding bands creates another aspect of the symbols of rings. Here are eight unique ways through which you can add your little quirks to your wedding bands to make them timeless and precious.

Engrave a Special Message

Another basic but effective approach to the customization of wedding bands is by putting a special message on the inside of the band. This could be a date that is important to both, a quote that they like, or even a saying that they both relate to. Love engravings can be as simple as an ‘I love you message or as elaborate as a message that captures the story of your relationship. This is a clever and profound customization, as the rings are aesthetically pleasing but also have another deeply personal layer that is hidden from others.

Incorporate Birthstones or Gemstones

Introducing gemstones into wedding bands can go a long way in turning ordinary wedding bands into unique ones. Birthstones are preferred mainly because they are associated with the birth month of every individual and bring color and meaning to the outfit. However, if one would want to go an extra step, they could select the gemstones that would symbolize important events in the relationships of both individuals. This method is flexible and can either be serious with an actual meaning for the gemstones that are to be used or can be sentimental in the sense that the gemstone can simply be chosen because it looks good.

Choose Unique Metal Combinations

Choosing different metals can create a unique appearance for the bands. Dare mix metals such as platinum, gold and rose gold can come up with a single band that will be unique and elegant depending on the preference of the couple. Every metal has some importance and looks different; therefore, the choice of the right combination makes it possible for the band to reflect the personalities of the two people. This method also enables the combination of strength and elegance so that those bands will remain as durable as possible.

Design with Custom Patterns

Personalized patterns are another technique for adding creativity to wedding bands. This could include complex designs such as geometrical designs, filigree work, or even custom designs that have special meanings to the couple. Getting a new pattern and designing the bands with the help of a jeweler makes the bands very special and different. Engraved patterns can depict the couple’s hobbies, ethnic background, or personal preferences in the arts, making the wedding bands even more unique.

Add a Hidden Detail

A secret message or an engraving inside the wedding band can add another layer to the jewelry item. This could be an inscription within the shank of the ring, a small gem, or a design that only the couple knows. All these hidden details are the secrets between the wearers, which makes the bands even more special. The aspect of having hidden details is unique because they offer a more personal feel as opposed to the public showiness of the wedding bands.

Incorporate Personal Symbols

The use of personal symbols or motifs in the wedding bands adds a personal touch and adds more value to the bands. This might include signs that are used in the course of shared interests, cultures, or achievements. For instance, the anchor symbol, the heart symbol or even a certain shape can be carved or installed in the design of the band. These options enable the couple to have an individualized representation of their experiences and beliefs.

Opt for Handcrafted Designs

Selecting handcrafted wedding bands is also a unique feature that can hardly be achieved with the help of factory-made bands. Carpentry enables detailed work to be executed and put in personal items that can be important in the plan. Every produced band is a single one and has the touch of the handmade style of the jeweler. This approach makes the wedding bands unique and also has the quality of the artisanal craftsmanship reflected in the wedding bands.

Create Matching Bands with Individual Twists

You can simply get personalized mens wedding bands from top-rated brands, which will offer a distinctive touch that the bands look excellent together but are also unique to each user. This could be in the form of changes in the type of metal used, the arrangement of gemstones, or the inscriptions to be made. For example, one band might be shinier than the other, one band has a more coarse surface than the other, or one band has a little gemstone that the other does not. It is a perfect way of celebrating the togetherness of the couple without having to deny either person their preferences.

Conclusion

The integration of such ideas makes it possible to include the elements of creativity in the wedding bands, which especially manifests love and commitment. In the way, whether with a personalized engraving, the addition of gems, or handmade work, each wedding band can become a symbolic object of a couple. Engagement rings are worn for a lifetime, and that is why it is possible to go further and make the wedding bands as unique as the couple in love, not only in looks but in meaning as well.

Nature’s Remedies: Safe Health Solutions for Vibrant Living

The quest for safe and effective health solutions has led many individuals to explore the wealth of benefits that the natural world has to offer. From herbal infusions to mindfulness practices, nature’s remedies offer a holistic approach to vibrant living that resonates with ancient wisdom and modern science.

The Power of Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine, derived from various plant parts like leaves, roots, and flowers, has been integral to traditional healing systems across cultures for centuries. The appeal of herbal remedies lies in their natural origins and often gentler approach compared to synthetic drugs.

Many herbs boast medicinal properties validated by scientific research, making them valuable to modern healthcare. You can see more herbal products at gr8health.com.au/, which provides safe and natural solutions.

Mind-Body Practices for Wellness

Mind-body practices blend mindfulness, movement, and conscious breathing to create a harmonious connection between the body and the mind. Yoga, a prime example of such practices, enhances flexibility and strength, cultivates inner peace, and reduces stress.

Meditation is another nature-inspired remedy that has garnered immense attention for its profound impact on mental health. Rooted in ancient traditions, meditation involves:

Training the mind to focus
Leading to reduced anxiety
Improved concentration
Increased self-awareness

Studies have shown that regular meditation can induce positive structural changes in the brain, supporting its role in fostering vibrant living.

The Healing Touch of Forest Bathing

The practice of forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, is a reminder of the healing power that natural environments provide. Originating in Japan, this practice involves fully engaging with a forest setting, using all five senses to connect with the surroundings.

Research has demonstrated that forest bathing reduces stress hormone levels, lowers blood pressure, and boosts the immune system. In addition, time spent in nature has been linked to improved mood and enhanced cognitive function.

Balancing with Traditional Medicine

While nature’s remedies offer many benefits, they are not intended to replace conventional medical treatments. Rather, they can complement modern medical interventions, promoting a more holistic approach to health and wellness.

It’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating new remedies into one’s regimen, especially if someone is already on prescribed medication or dealing with a chronic condition.

Cultivating a Holistic Lifestyle

Adopting a holistic lifestyle is key to fully embracing nature’s remedies for vibrant living. This encompasses the use of natural remedies and the choices you make in your daily life. Nourishing the body with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity are fundamental components of holistic wellness.

In addition, fostering healthy social connections and nurturing emotional intelligence contribute significantly to vibrant living. Spending quality time with loved ones, practicing empathy, and engaging in activities that bring joy can profoundly impact overall well-being.

Respecting Nature and Sustainability

As we explore the world of nature’s remedies, it’s essential to do so with a deep respect for nature itself. The plants and resources that provide these remedies are part of delicate ecosystems that must be protected. Sustainable practices, such as ethically sourcing herbs and using eco-friendly products, ensure you give back to the environment that sustains you.

Harmonizing Health and Holistic Well-Being with Nature’s Remedies

Nature’s remedies offer a harmonious and holistic approach to health and well-being, drawing on the ancient wisdom of traditional healing systems and aligning with the growing body of scientific evidence. By embracing a balanced and holistic lifestyle, you can thrive and experience vibrant living.

However, it’s crucial to remember that while these remedies have their merits, they are most effective when integrated responsibly and in collaboration with medical professionals. This will then ensure your safety and well-being in the journey toward optimal health.

16 Things Only A Self Care Spa Goer Gal Will Relate To

Spa time is the best time as far as I am concerned. I am the type of girl that can find escapism behind the curtain of a quiet room and an inner calm in the steam room, hot spring and sauna. And I will be first in line when body treatments are back on the menu. Can someone say salt scrub?

Even in the midst of the pandemic and with little access to day spa life, I find myself creating a spa environment in my home. If you are like me, you can relate to these things.

1.) I cannot leave the store without at least four herbs. Rosemary is my very best friend. And I will put any herb in a vase around my house. Soap is an herbal experience!

2.) I have freeze dried Eucalyptus in my shower. To give my showers that spa fresh feeling.

3.) Did someone say tea? Mint leaves and a lemon and I am at the spahh thriving …

4.) My laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid and hand soaps are all herby getaway scents. Did someone want to have an Herbes De Provence dish washing experience? Raises hand.

5.) The minute I come home, my bra is off. Because my home is a spa and who wears bras in a spa?

6.) My water has at least a lemon in it if not mint leaves, raspberries, blackberries, you get the idea.

7.) I snack on macadamia and fancy covered almonds, and crackers because, spa…

8.) If I cannot get the herb version, I need the ocean version.

9.) If you asked me about my favorite body treatment, I could tell you the spa location and the entire service from the menu and offer up a name of the therapist you should ask for at the spa.

10.) I only get my nails done at places that offer spa journeys for my toes. Because my pedicure is an experience and my toes deserve a journey.

11.) I cannot just have a hand lotion, it must be organic and herb infused.

12.) My toothpaste is herb infused. My shampoo too.

13.) I have a diffuser by my bed and next to my work space.

14.) I can tell you which essential oil will get you zen and which one will perk you up.

15.) Bath bombs, bath salts, and candles…I can make a spa day out of a bath, easy.

16.) I don’t just offer up a massage for my boyfriend. There is the calm app for waves, arnica and muscle balm for his back and of course an essential oil diffuser for pumping out some eucalyptus vibes.

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Off the Beaten Path: Why We Travel to Places No One Has Ever Heard of

You can have London. And while you’re at it, take Paris and Hong Kong and Rio de Janeiro too.

Not to say that there’s anything wrong with these incredible cities; I certainly encourage you to visit the Colosseum in Rome, The Western Wall in Jerusalem, and the Opera House in Sydney.

But it’s the crazy adventure to find the hidden island off the coast of the mainland of Thailand where your mind will really be blown. It’s your road trip through Slovakia where you can barely read the road signs; it’s your decision to pick a direction: left or right, and just go.

You know that you’ll either wind up in the right place, or you’ll wind up super lost in the middle of a town called Szekesfehervar – just to find that you’re in Hungary, not Slovakia at all.

It is during these moments that you really push yourself – when you are forced to use the Spanish that you learned ten years ago to ask which bus will get you to Ipiales and across the border into Ecuador.

It is when you’re subjected to the scrutiny of the local Vietnamese people as you attempt to find Dong Xuan on the map, and no one can understand a goddamn word you’re saying so they just laugh at you.

Your guard comes down, your frustration turns to defeat, and you give up and just laugh with them. It is during these moments that you learn the most about yourself:

1. You are forced to communicate through emotion, not language.

Your miming skills will certainly take the plunge when you’re in a foreign country where you don’t know the language. You use hand motions, facial expressions, and sounds to express what it is that you want or need.

2. Getting lost is half the fun.

You’ve already prepared yourself to get lost. It takes having no idea where you are for you to know where you want to go; it takes getting lost to find yourself.

3. You’re always on your toes.

Because you’re on such unfamiliar ground, you’re always observing and absorbing what is around you. You’re not in autopilot on your way to work; you’re looking out the window at the grasslands of Uttarakhand in India; And you’re talking to the Chilean woman about how many kids she has; meanwhile, you’re trying to figure out the cheapest route from Dresden to Pilsen.

4. You learn to really roll with the punches.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys pristine service in a restaurant, reimbursement for poorly organized transportation, or punctual meetings – traveling to these crazy places will either be the worst experience of your life, or will teach you to chill the fuck out.

Not everything in the world runs as smoothly as our luxurious first world does – and that’s okay.

5. There are no masks to hide behind.

There is no pretending to be something, or faking anything in these parts of the world. You are a complete stranger; an alien; an outsider. You are a visitor in their country, not yours. Once you step outside of your comfort zone, you are humbled.

6. Your eyes will be opened.

Your days won’t be spent in a closed resort drinking a poolside margarita. You will be learning new words, new customs, and new habits.

You will find that those days where you got completely lost, turned out to be the ones you remembered the most. Your sweat-soaked shirt, burning feet, and frustrated mind pushed you to find your way.

You will find that once you can make it through those conditions as a nomad, you’ll never be lost again.

Galentine’s Day: 4 Ways to Celebrate With Your Gal Pals

Single or not this year, spending time with your besties and celebrating Galentine’s Day can be a great way to have fun and unwind. We all could use a ladies’ night now and then, and February 13th is the perfect day to plan something special with your gal pals. If you are looking for some creative and fun ways to celebrate, then look no further. Read on to discover four ways to enjoy your Galentine’s Day.

Host a Facial Party

It’s time to pamper yourself. A great way to do so is by relaxing with a skincare routine and inviting your friends to a facial party. Create your own spa right at your home to unwind, and try out some easy beauty hacks. Set up different stations to try that feature an exfoliant scrub, depuffing face rollers, and coconut oil for example. Also, tell your friends to bring their favorite skincare products, and talk about what works best for them. Whether it’s a facial mask, moisturizer, or acne cream to get rid of blemishes, we all have a go-to. Encourage your friends to share and demonstrate their best skincare tips.

Set Up A Virtual Book Club

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Galentine’s Day virtually, then set up an online book club. These meet-ups could be a great way to decompress. Choose a book for all of you to check out in the weeks leading up to Galentine’s Day. An excellent option to find novels could be by checking out a book box subscription. Choose a romance novel to spark some juicy debate, or if you want a cliffhanger opt for a mystery. Or if you’d rather you can all bring a recent great read to recommend. Just enjoy each other’s company, and sip on your favorite drink. An added bonus is that you could continue your book club meet-up for the future.

Get Outdoors

With so much time spent in our homes, an awesome way to celebrate could be to get outside, and get some fresh air. There are plenty of outdoor activities to try. Plan a hike, try outdoor yoga, or even have a picnic with your closest friends. You can head out to your favorite spot at the park, or set it up in your own backyard. You could create a theme—put out cute favors right down to the checkered blanket and picnic basket. Ask your friends to bring a dish to pass. Whatever you do to get outside together, just enjoy nature, not having to rush around and being able to catch up.

TV Binge Evening

We all have a guilty pleasure series, movie, or show. Why not invite over your girlfriends for a chill night in. Order a pizza for delivery, break out the popcorn, and binge-watch something great like a hot new Netflix series, or a throwback like Sex In the City. If you want to take it a step further it could be pajama-themed. Everyone has to wear their best pajama look to really kick back and enjoy the show.

Don’t forget to pamper and celebrate all the important ladies in your life this Galentine’s Day. With everything you have going on in your life, it’s not every day you get the chance to do something with your girlfriends. However, this February 13th take the opportunity to tell your girls how important they are to you and have fun.

Straw Hats For Women

Straw hats are a great summer accessory. They can be worn as part of a casual outfit or as an elegant accessory at the beach. Straw hats come in different shapes and sizes for both men and women.

The straw hat has been around since ancient times, when it was used as protection against the sun and to keep cool. The modern straw hat is mostly made from natural fibres such as cotton, jute, or palm leaves. It’s lightweight and breathable which makes it perfect for hot weather!

The straw hat is a classic summer accessory that has been around for centuries. It is a great way to keep your head cool in the hot sun, and it also looks stylish.

There are many different styles of straw hats for women for women available in the market today, so you can find one that suits your style.

Are straw hats good for sun protection?

Straw hats are generally not as good as other types of hats for sun protection. They are usually made from a thinner material and don’t provide as much coverage. However, they can be useful for those who have sensitive skin and need to avoid certain fabrics.

Straw hats are very popular among women and people who live in hot climates. These people wear them because they provide a lot of ventilation and help keep the head cool during the hot summer days. Straw hats can also be worn at night, or during evening events when it’s still sunny outside, because they provide plenty of protection against the sun’s rays without making your head too hot.

However, straw hats do not offer as much protection from UV rays as other types of hats. Straw hats that are made of natural materials that are eco-friendly. They are breathable and come in a variety of colours.

They can be worn with any outfit and can be matched with different colours to match your mood or outfit. There is no scientific evidence that straw hats offer more protection than other types of hats, such as cotton or polyester, but it is possible they provide some level of protection against UV rays when used correctly.

A straw hat is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear all day long. Plus, it’s stylish! Straw hats are great for protecting your head and ears from the heat of the sun, but they do little to protect your eyes and skin. If you want to protect your skin and eyes against UV rays, you should wear a hat with a wide brim or a hat with a lining. Straw hats are not the best choice for all occasion

Types of straw hats:

To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is very necessary. You need to ensure you’re wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and of course a hat.

WOMEN’S MILAN STRAW FEDORA:

This is a new straw hat. It has a wide brim, which will provide maximum shade for your face and neck.The hat is made of natural straw and it is hand-woven with an open weave that allows air to circulate through the headwear.

A straw fedora is a type of hat made out of straw. It is typically worn by women, and it can be found in many different colours. Straw hats are not only fashionable but also practical as they are easy to wear and care for.

WOMEN’S OMNI STRAW HAT:

The WOMEN’S OMNI STRAW HAT is a lightweight and breathable hat made with 100% natural straw. It features a wide brim and a chin strap for extra support.

This hat is perfect for women who need sun protection and want to keep their heads cool during the hot summer months. The straw material also provides an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

WOMEN’S SEAGRASS STRAW HAT:

This is a straw hat made from seagrass. It is very lightweight and durable. This hat is perfect for summer time because it will keep you cool and protected from the sun.

This is a hat made of seagrass straw. It is very durable and can be worn on the beach, on the boat, or just lounging around at home. This type of hat is perfect for those who are looking for something that will not only look good but also last for a long time.

Conclusion:

Straw hats take on high fashion, especially for women.Theyare extremely popular because straw material is very lightweight and the fact that the hats are woven means there are small openings, which allow for ventilation and cooling during even the hottest of summers.

Don’t Question the Player, Question Why You’re Still Playing Their Game

It lingers in your life like an unwanted winter flu, creeping up on you in the darkness. That text message, “Hey, how’s it going?” As if the past few months since they ghosted you, you know, didn’t happen. Does he expect the two of you to pick up where you left off? “How’s it going?” How do you answer that? You consider, “My dog is about to die, I almost got hit by a taxi, a homeless man followed me for 8 blocks today… oh and I hate you.” But you don’t push send. You erase it and replace it with a “nmu” text. Totally playing it cool. One word responses. That’ll show him. “Well I’ve missed you.” That motherf*cker. “Same,” you reply with guilt. Then he says, “I needed to find myself.” What does that even mean? Did you find yourself and discover no one likes you or wants anything to do with you….. Except me?

You know you should have ignored that text, but there are some relationships, where it’s like a vortex that sucks you in, no matter how far away you may have strayed. It feels as though you have no control, and you let him take you and plop you wherever he may choose.

But you mustn’t – under any circumstances – answer that text. You’ve gotta be strong. You’ve gotta have some self-respect. People can’t just come in and out of your life, as if you’re some winter coat they only put on when it’s cold. You are better than that.

Here are some reasons you gotta ignore him and stop playing in this game.

It isn’t love

Love isn’t supposed to make you cry. Period.

If he wanted to be with you, he would have been a long time ago

When someone wants something, they stop at nothing until they get it. If someone wanted to be with you, they’d run through brick walls if they had to.

The cycle will continue if you let it

The only reason you find yourself on the merry-go-round is because you refuse to get off it.

Neither of you have changed

Time might have passed, and you might think you have grown up, but the real sign of change and maturity will be when you can walk away from him and not look back.

You’ll always be toxic for each other

There’s something quite fascinating about the things you know that are bad for you. You always want to try again. You think a different outcome will come when you drink the same poison. It won’t.

That fairytale you have in your head won’t come true

I know you have this made up idea of how you two will live happily ever after. You might have gone to bed thinking about one day. But one day won’t happen. He isn’t the prince for you. In fact, I don’t think he’s even a prince.

You deserve better

I want you to look at your best friend, and tell her what she deserves in a person. How he should treat her. What he should say. What they will do. How he should act. Now I want you to say all those things back to yourself, because you deserve all those same things. You deserve a good guy. You deserve happiness. You don’t deserve confusion or blurry lines. He isn’t what you deserve. You are sitting there settling, when you should never settle.

It’s a war no one will win

Remember: every time you participate, you’re letting him win the battle. But the only way to come out on top is win the war. And the only way to win the war is to end it. Healthy relationships shouldn’t be like a war.

**He’s an *sshole**

He’s doing this to other girls. Wanna know how you get good at anything in life? You practice. You practice until you can perform whatever task at hand blindfolded. That’s what he’s done. With much trial and error and practice, he knows what to say, how to say it, and he will win the game as long as you continue to participate in it. But if you step off the court, there’s no one he can beat because there’s no one to play with. Remember, a player only has game if people are willing to participate in it.

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What Is the Current State of Disability Rights and Why Is it Important to Know?

While rights for people with disabilities have improved a lot in recent times, there is still much injustice and discrimination going on.

Let us take a closer look at the current state of disability rights.

The Current Legal State of Disability Rights

Disability rights have come a long way in the last few decades. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was the game changer that helped to transform disability rights.

The civil rights law prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, public accommodations, commercial facilities, telecommunications, and transportation. It applies to the United States Congress too.

Other legal changes over the years have helped bring about better rights for people with disabilities. There are specific disability rights contained in:

● The Telecommunications Act

● The Fair Housing Act

● The Air Carrier Access Act

● The National Voter Registration Act

● The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act

● The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

● The Rehabilitation Act

● The Architectural Barriers Act

That means people with a partial disability or a total disability are now protected in many ways. However, just because there are now many laws that ensure people with disabilities are treated fairly, it does not mean there are not still issues with current disability rights.

Accessibility Is Still an Issue

While many new buildings include wheelchair ramps that meet the minimum requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act to enable wheelchair users and others with disabilities to access places safely, there are still many buildings that discriminate against people with disabilities.

It is not only about wheelchair ramps. It is about owners of accommodation, businesses, transportation, and so on, implementing a variety of measures to make their spaces more accessible.

Failing to eliminate barriers to accessibility is seen as discriminatory by many people with disabilities. Businesses, organizations, and individuals need to wake up to that if disability rights are to be improved.

People with Disabilities Need to Be Given More Individual Empowerment

Generally speaking, disability rights activists are calling for more empowerment.

They want institutions and organizations to move away from over-protection and close supervision and instead assist in a way that empowers disabled people’s wishes and needs.

Basically, people with disabilities want to be in control of their own ships. Just like anyone wants to be masters of their own destinies.

Institutional Segregation Is Still Happening

History has taught us many things. One important lesson to learn is intentional segregation is always bad.

Even if it is driven by supposedly positive motives, segregation is discriminatory, so people with disabilities should not have to put up with segregated nursing homes, self-contained classrooms, and sheltered workshops.

Although there have been many updated practices in recent years, institutional segregation of people with disabilities still occurs and needs to be stopped.

Why is it important to know about the current state of disability rights?

Civil rights affect every kind of group and individual, so disability rights are just as important as any other rights.

You do not have to be a disabled person to care about disability rights. In fact, part of the problem for why disability rights have become stagnant in some areas is down to the issues not being more widely known by the general community.

Also, the more you educate yourself about disability rights, the more you can take action. That does not necessarily mean attending a protest. It is more about changing your attitude and behavior. In turn, you could create real-world change.

For instance, if you are a business owner with premises that are not easily navigable and accessible for people with disabilities, change the layout of your store or office. Similarly, if you are a landlord, ensure you do not discriminate against people with disabilities.

A Letter to the Mother Who Saw Me Grow Up From Heaven

Dear Mom,

I can still remember the worst day of my life: the day I lost you. So I stood in a room filled with black trying to understand why the world was doing this to me. Everything I was going to miss began to flash before my eyes.

The one person I needed most, I had to live without. Girls aren’t supposed to live without their moms. I still needed to learn to do all those things you did for me, all those things you made look so easy.

I hated coming home to a house I knew you wouldn’t be in, or getting off the bus and not seeing you waiting. And I wanted to hear your voice ask me about my classes. Dad did his best to help me with homework, but that was always our thing. I had to encounter so many milestones without you, and I knew it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t choose to leave us.

My first school dance, I knew you would’ve taken twice as many pictures as the other parents, and developed them the next day. My first date: I wondered if you would’ve helped me find something to wear, whether or not you would’ve liked the boy. I wish you could have faced my awkward years with me. Throughout my first relationship, I wondered when to tell them about you because no matter how much time passed, the words My mom’s dead don’t ever sound great. My first prom: when everyone of my friends had two parents to take pictures with, I knew I was missing a vital component. And I know you would’ve cheered the loudest as I walked across the stage at graduation. You wouldn’t be there for my first day of college. While everyone always said they got home sick, I know you would’ve given the best advice to make me feel better.

I can’t imagine not having you there for my wedding day; I know you would’ve told me I was the prettiest bride. I’m going to have to face every Christmas and every birthday without you. No matter what I asked Santa for or how many candles were on my cake, my wish was and is to have you back–and I knew it could never be granted. There will always be sadness to every holiday we have without you by our side. There will always be sadness when I realized I can’t say “parents??? when talking, but I’ve learned to only say dad. I wondered, at first, what our family could be without you a part of it. I wondered if I would turn into the daughter that would make you proud, or if your absence would mean I’d never amount to my full potential.

I sat there with all those thoughts rushing through my head, and a million people all around me, in a room full of your favorite flowers, and pictures of you and the time we did have the privilege of having you with us. Although you were taken from me and I can’t understand why, I know you didn’t want to go. I know you probably wondered what would happen to us with you gone, too. Would we be okay? But there are a few things you should know:

I want you to know, dad is going to do a great job.

He figured out how to brush my hair. He even made it through my awkward stages of puberty. He made it through my dating phases and wiped the tears I cried over guys. He became the hard*ss I never knew him to be, and that is because of you.

I want you to know, the only reason I am the person I am is because of you

I’m doing pretty well today, and I take pride when people tell me I remind them of you.

I want you to know, I miss you every day and take you with me.

Although a lot of time has passed, you aren’t forgotten. I still look at the pictures of us with as big of a smile. I know you’re still here.

I want you to know, I will never forget you.

I’ll keep telling people about you and, although our lives have moved on, they move on with you in our hearts.

I want you to know, I’ll do my best to make you proud.

Every day I try to make everyone proud, but, most of all, I want to make you proud. I know you’re up there, looking down on me every day.

I want you to know, I still hear your voice when I’m faced with a difficult situation.

Your voice is one I’ll never forget. Sometimes when I’m faced with conflict, I think about what you would’ve done.

I want you to know, I’ll be strong for my siblings–but sometimes I’ll break down.

And I want to be strong for them, I want to never shed tears, but there have been moments (and I’m sure there will be more) where I’ve been strong for too long and I break down, knowing your invisible arms are wrapped around me.

I want you to know, my kids will know about you and I only wish you could meet them.

My kids will know about their grandmother, and so will their kids.

I want you to know, I’ll try and be nice to dad’s new GFs–but none of them will compare to you.

And I know dad is a catch; he got you. Though I was apprehensive at first about him moving into the dating stage, I accepted the new women in our life. She knows she’s second to you.

I want you to know, I’m going to mess up and I wish I could hear you yell at me for it.

During this thing called life, I’ve messed up and I’ll continue to mess up. Sometimes all I want is to hear your voice yelling at me one more time.

And I want you to know, I’ll never forget your voice–but I wish I could hear it.

I wish I could hear your voice in something other than the videos and in my memory. But I’ll keep it with me, until we meet again.

And I want you to know, I’ll never forget your hugs and kisses–but I wish I had one more.

Even if dad gives the best hugs and kisses, I do still miss yours and would love one more, if I could.

I want you to know how thankful I am to call myself your daughter.

Of my many accomplishments, one of my favorites is simply being your daughter.

I want you to know how much I really do love you.

Most of all, please, know I love you.

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