An Analysis of Two Researches on “An Impact that Mobile Computing on Society”

Two researches, one taken from the internet and another from a journal publication entitled “Mobile Computing: Past, Present and Future” by Vasilis Koudounas and Omar Iqbal and “The Impact of Mobile Computing on Individuals, Organizations, and Society - Synthesis of Existing Literature and Directions for Future Research” by Nikolaus Fischer and Stefan Smolnik, both deal with the impact of mobile computing on society.

The two articles are analysed based on the following criteria:

1. Clarity of the research problem
2. Sufficient literature review
3. Systematic research method
4. Ethical issues
5. Appropriate data collection and analysis
6. Evidence of findings

The internet article “Mobile Computing: Past, Present and Future” mentioned in its introduction that it is giving an “overview of existing cellular networks;”a detailed description of the CDPD technology; and “applications of Mobile Computing in the real world.”

With regards to the aspect of related studies or literature, this article does not contain a specific section for this; although it has listed a number of reference materials at the end of the article. Moreover, the article directly plunged into the description of the effect of mobile computing but the method of research is not clearly specified; however, there is an appendix that links to some interviews made with certain key individuals from cellular companies, etc.

Furthermore, the data appears to have not violated any confidential personal information or individuals; thus, it is considered ethical. In addition, based on the presentation of the information as an overview, it is assumed that data gathering is made mainly on library and web research and taken from existing published information. This is one of the means of gathering information; thus, data collection in this case is considered appropriate.

Finally, the information is supported by illustrations taken from published materials; which to some extent makes the article informative and reliable but not really highly authentic.

The second article taken from a journal of the 46th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences entitled “The Impact of Mobile Computing on Individuals, Organizations, and Society - Synthesis of Existing Literature and Directions for Future Research” appears to be well-structured and systematic.

The research problem is clearly stated through the use of research questions namely: RQ1. What is the status quo of research on theindividual, organizational, and societal impacts ofmobile, ubiquitous, and pervasive computing use?andRQ2. Which areas of mobile, ubiquitous, andpervasive computing use remain under-explored? The manner of acquiring answers to these two research questions has been clearly discussed in the article:

To answer these two research questions, weconduct a systematic literature review that follows the concept-driven approach put forth by Webster and Watson [40]. We reviewed 30 highly-ranked journals and conference proceedings published since 2000 to identify and systematically classify existingresearch according to the use contexts that the studies analyze.

In addition, it has a theoretical background section. Also, the literature review is clear and comprehensive based on recommendations from other scholars:

In developing our review, we follow the recommendations of Webster and Watson [40] andTranfield, Denyer, and Smart [38] with regard to conducting structured literature reviews. By incorporating their recommendations, the analysis aims to be transparent, impartial, and balanced.

The article even discussed distinctly the manner in which the research study is conducted such as: selection of appropriate academic outlets; identification of relevant papers; and classification of articles and developmentof sub-categories. The method is complete with illustrations.

The study is considered ethical because it is objective and supported by facts that do not attack any individual or entity nor does it violate any confidential issues regarding people and groups. Moreover, the data collection and analysis are appropriate and systematic following the standards of standard research. In addition, there appears to be enough evidence to support the validity of the research claims.

Of these two articles, it is obvious that the journal article has more bearing and is more reliable than the internet article. The manner in which the data is presented is more systematic and complete in the journal than in the internet. Thus, for a researcher, journal articles especially the peer reviewed ones should be given more consideration as a reference material because they are more reliable, conclusive and systematic.

References:

Fischer, N. & Smolnik, S. 2013. The Impact of Mobile Computing on Individuals,

Organizations, and Society - Synthesis of Existing Literature and Directions for Future Research.PDF 013 46th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS)DOI Bookmark:http://doi.ieeecomputersociety.org/10.1109/HICSS.2013.522

Koudounas, V. & Iqbal, O. Mobile Computing: Past, Present And Future. Retrieved from:http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~nd/surprise_96/journal/vol4/vk5/report.html

Be Careful: Words Have the Power to Build and to Destroy

Our words can either kill or build up. We should never underestimate the power of words – specifically spoken words. Seriously, the damage or encouragement can come from the very persons who call themselves ministers of God. Because they have such positions in the church or community, many of us can easily assume that they are always right. There is therefore a need for caution in both the ministers and the ones ministered to. We need to be wise and be truly intimate with the Person of our Savior for He is the only one who can speak with absolute truth and power.

One of the reasons why a lot of people have shied away from the local gatherings is that they get offended by the blatant ways some preachers judge their beliefs and practices. However, I find it equally damaging for sincere leaders who speak their minds out or give counsel without carefully understanding the condition of their listeners or parishioners.

Personally, I can easily avoid the judgmental people and I can even easily ignore or forgive them for their behavior. What affect me sorely are persons who think they are speaking words of wisdom without really knowing where I come from and what I am going through.

Recently, I had this disturbing experience with someone and I found myself explaining why I choose where I am now and why I do what I am doing. I felt bad afterwards because I do not find it necessary to explain to anyone what I am doing because I believe I am simply obeying God. The fact that I did not apply for any mission agency or ministry to serve the Lord is one thing that many people do not really understand.

This “judgmental” expression a person did to me recently really hurt me. I cannot just simply tell him about it because I don’t think he can fully understand its effect on me. With fellow Filipinos, I’m sure I can receive empathy for what I choose to do. With this guy I can’t, maybe because of the cultural background that may have caused our difference in looking at material things and similar issues.

My first reaction after this encounter, when I was alone, was to forgive him and understand that he lacks the experience and even the knowledge that the people we deal with are both practical and wise in their own ways; that we have to be careful with what we say and how we say things especially when these are unsolicited ones.

I thought I could get away with the feeling immediately but when I was meditating last night I felt the same disturbing hurt. Of course, we can easily dismiss that it has become the devil’s way of distracting me but I also realized that I should bring the matter to my Savior. I simply offered my feeling to God and asked for grace for me to overcome it and learn something from the incident.

Thus, I have come out with the following insights:

Let us never ever give unsolicited advice in any way. Next, unless we truly understand what the other person is going through, even if they seek our advice, let us still be cautious with what we say. Many people who come to us simply needs a physical presence to share with or a listening ear.

Moreover, when a person once came to us with a need, let us remember never ever to brand them with that need every time we meet them. We must realize that they may have forgotten about it and have already overcome it.

In addition, let us not play gods or “holier than thou” because we think some people appear naïve and silent. The adage about silent waters running deep is and will always be true. Let us never be drawn by the tendency that silent people are dumb or that when somebody nods when we tell them something that they agree with us. That is really too ridiculous to assume. Being a literature major and a drama instructor, I can always “act out” in many situations in order to maintain harmony besides getting a lot of pleasure in doing it. (Pardon me for being me.)

On the part of the receivers of “hurtful” words or judging attitude, let us learn to extend our understanding and tolerance. Let us understand that many of them are sincerely motivated to help.

Secondly, let us not fall prey to believing that they are the “voice of God.” Remember, the Bible tells us to examine every teaching we hear and I think this can be applied to every advice or opinion we hear even from godly people.

Finally, let us be totally committed and disciplined in listening to the still small voice of our Savior through meditation and times spent on His Word. There are some things that God has instructed us to do that may appear irrational to others, so let us simply practice the art of "discriminately" listening.

To sum it all up, let us: know and meditate on God’s Word daily; be intimately attuned with our Friend Jesus;  speak only with wisdom through the guidance of the Holy Spirit; extend our tolerance and patience with others and; let God have the final say. His Spirit in us will give us His peace if we are obeying Him.

Success is a Journey

I came across a speaking topic in one of the English clubs in Ho Chi Minh... It says: "Which would you choose: success or happiness?" I find the question inappropriate because it is about two terms whose meaning can be both subjective and relative.

Success can mean differently for every individual. The world's standard of having a high paying job and lucrative living may not necessarily mean success for those in such status. Humans are insatiable; there is always something to look forward to - always another step upward..

On the other hand, happiness can be a feeling of fulfillment and being content with what you have. Some people who have reached their goals can be happy about their success; while others are all the more driven to reach much higher goals and are never satisfied.

For me, happiness does not depend on how earthly successful a person may be; and success is being satisfied with what you have at the moment. Thus, being successful means being happy and fulfilled, no matter how small that success may be.

Life is a series of successes. Every obstacle that has been overcome and every challenge that has been solved are in themselves called success.

Friend, let's continue happily reaping our successes as we journey through life. Living simply, dealing with others peacefully, enjoying good health and being with your family are barometers of true success.

First published in: http://rakz105.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/success-is-a-journey/

HOW TO EXCEL

Life is an endless cycle of rising and falling. Rising means gaining new things and insights; falling means making errors after trying new things. These two opposites come hand in hand and the way you handle these two aspects of life determines the degree of your success and future.

The acronym ACT can best describe the three basic things you should consider when trying to learn something effectively. A stands for: Act on your Attitude; C for Concentrate on your Capabilities; and T for Try and be Trained.

One of the most important factors in a person’s life that really affectseverything that he/she does is attitude. To act on your attitude means to see to it that you have the right attitude. The right attitude of course is the positive outlook about life or the thing you want to do or learn. When a person begins to say, “I can’t,” he/she already decides to fail. On the contrary, you spark the fire and begin your first step to success by simply saying, “I can.” The right attitude always pushes a person to move forward and prosper.

Once you have decided to do or learn something, focus on your strengths.Concentrate on your capabilities after you have identified what these are. Everyone is endowed with certain talents and skills. By doing so, you can be realistic and you can make the impossible possible. Anything can happen when one is determined to do it.

Lastly, act on what you want to learn. Try and be trained are two things that you should consider. You can try doing it on your own and if you need assistance, seek help. Ask somebody to teach you. Be trained either formally or informally. Help is available everywhere; you can turn to your friends or neighbors or you can browse the internet.

ACT and you will not surely fail.

First published in: http://rakz105.expertscolumn.com/article/how-excel

What Men Want In a Woman - 5 Things You Must Know

Men are said to be created before women so they are supposed to be the head, the leader, the provider, the tough guy, and a host of other descriptions that may sometimes be misconstrued as if they are gods and they can live self-sufficiently without women. 

How ever tough men may appear, they surely need women. They cannot exist without women even if some of them deny it. I came to notice this dependence of men on women when I had a chance to reside in a coed (mixed) dormitory. I was single then and I was wondering why most, if not all, of the men always have to have a woman beside them or with them wherever they go. What men want in a woman is a question that held on my mind since then. 

What is it really that men want in a woman? It would appear flattering for women to know the answer to this. However, it may not make men look too tough anymore once you consider these revelations. 

Frankly, men need women not merely for sexual purposes. The five main reasons why men get attracted to women are: they are afraid to be alone so they need a companion; they always want to be complimented so they need an ego-booster; they are lonely people that is why they need a friend; they want to brag about themselves and talk about their achievements that they need a listener; and they need a partner, not a rival, who will make them complete. 

Like all people on earth, no one wants to be alone. What men want in a woman is a companion. A woman is someone who will make the man assume a tough guy image because she is weak and frail. The man in turn will then offer her protection and leadership. This leads us to the next role of a woman in a man’s life – an ego-booster. The woman will serve as a man’s source of confirmation for his manhood and virility. Since most women are kind and generous at giving compliments, what men want in a woman is someone who will lift their egos. 

In addition, men are lonely people. They need a friend who will comfort them and share life’s joys and challenges. Since most men are not very expressive of their feelings, the woman’s ability to be sensitive to another’s need is a perfect match to man’s loneliness. 

What men want in a woman is an undivided attention. A woman is not only a good friend but is also a good listener. When men group together, each of them would have something to talk about and ignore the listening part. Women, on the other hand, find pleasure and excitement as they listen to their men’s stories and flattering words. This is the reason why men hate nagging wives; they want to be listened to. 

Finally, on a more serious note, what men want in a woman is a partner, not a rival. They want someone who could complete them, who would be the strength of their weakness. Naturally, men find other men as their rivals but women are there to help their need; for there are indeed some needs that only women can satisfy.

First published in: http://rakz105.expertscolumn.com/article/what-men-want-woman-5-things-you-must-know

The Miracle of Life

When I graduated in college in 1989, I was jobless for a while because I was an Octoberian. My mother who was financially hard up during that time was becoming impatient with my case that she urged me to apply for a clerical position. I felt so bad about it because I was expecting a better job since I finished a Bachelor of Arts in English degree as a full scholar. I applied for that job with a wish that I would not be hired. I even cried before I handed in my application.

The HRO who received my application letter told me I was over qualified but promised to inform me if a position would be open for me. I went home glad that I did not get the clerical position; however, my mother was greatly disappointed that she even thought I was just being stubborn.

During those times, I was becoming more depressed especially when people began asking me if I already have a job. To save my lowering self-esteem, I decided to take a law entrance examination just to prove that I still have the intelligence and the capabilities I seemed to lose during those unproductive months of my life. The result of the law entrance exam boosted my morale again because I was in the top ten and a full scholar again.

When I decided to go back to school instead of looking for a job, my mother thought I was being selfish. With family pressures in mind, I took up the first job opportunity that came my way and was forced to drop my law school.

After a semester of teaching in a science high school, the university where I first submitted my application called me for an interview. So after a successful interview, I was hired as a college instructor and lived with my mom for about ten years. The university sent me on a full scholarship for my Masters degree at UP Diliman in 1994 and I finished it in 1999.

When I finally settled down, I was already 37 years old. I thought I would have difficulty conceiving but in a matter of months I became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby girl in 2003 through Caesarean Section. When I was granted a scholarship for my Ph.D., I found myself on the family way again. It was a tough situation. I was torn between schooling and going on with the pregnancy.

I remembered quite well how I chose teaching over getting a law degree in 1990 so I was in a dilemma again. Since I would never lose my second baby for anything because my husband and I desired to have another child preferably boy, I still continued with my studies surrendering everything to God’s hands who has given me that double blessing. It was not easy to be staying up late doing my papers for my graduate courses and attending evening and weekend classes while my tummy was becoming heavy every single day. One of my professors even kidded that I was too ambitious to be pregnant and at the same time doing my doctorate.

The pressure outside and within were too much but I never thought of missing those two opportunities. Finances were getting low too since my husband left his job just to be of help in caring for our baby. Despite those two semesters of pregnancy and schooling, I still incurred high grades that I even received a Certificate of Recognition from our college. When the second baby, this time a boy, came, I was overjoyed. God has given us so much indeed. That was the best Christmas gift we received and we only spent Php 8,000 for professional fees on my second CS.

As a wife, mother and student at the same time, life was a little complicated. We had to transfer to Pampanga because we could no longer afford the P4,500 rent, water, electric and internet bills that exceeded my P2,500 stipend and my meager salary. There were times when we borrowed money from relatives or availed of loans which we were able to pay after a couple of months. God has been so good to us that there was never a time when we or our children starved or lacked anything.

I realized it was more difficult to attend to my classes with a newborn baby than when I was pregnant. During classes, I would feel feverish whenever it was time to breastfeed my baby because my breasts would swell and terribly ache. Also, I had to stay at the dorm in summer because classes were held daily and each night and day was unbearable physically and emotionally. I had to manually release the milk from my breast before sleeping and I would wake up with pains all over my body.

During the next two semesters, I had to commute from Pampanga to UP Diliman because we believe that leaving the children with my in-laws was the best option. By the grace of God, we endured those trying times.

Finally, when I finished my academic courses and was preparing for my comprehensive exam, my son who was learning to take his first few steps had accidentally hit the rice cooker cord and had his arms and breast scalded. I spent the night crying and praying for I blamed myself for being so careless, for at the moment when that accident happened I was reviewing for my Philippine Literature comprehensive exam. Miraculously, the baby was healed in a few days and the scars were all gone.

The problems were not over yet, that I had to discover weeks before my scheduled comprehensive examinations. One night,my mother called and told me that my brother had a vehicular accident and was comatose. After a few days, he passed away. It was this brother of mine who was ever eager to see me finish my doctorate. So my husband and I with our kids went home to Mindanao to attend the burial and comfort our mother.

We had to return to Luzon right after the burial and face the compre. I could say that I seemed to lose the things I have reviewed on when I came back due to grief and fatigue. Again, this time I saw God’s miracle for I successfully passed the three areas of my comprehensive examinations. Since then, I was praying that no more untoward incidents would happen again as I enrolled in my dissertation. I needed more time to concentrate and make my proposal.

However, I have to realize that problems are a constant partner in life. When I was preparing for a possible dissertation proposal defense in summer of 2007, I had to go home to Mindanao because my mother had to undergo surgery due to colon cancer. For more than a week, I was privileged to stay beside her and cheer her up. She never recovered though and it seemed that the whole world stood still.

I thought of not going back to UP, for the one person who dreamed big things for me and inspired me to finish my Ph.D. was already gone. However, my other brothers and sisters prodded me not to give up. I thank God for my family, my brothers and sisters, and my friends who comforted and encouraged me, believing that I could finish my studies. I passed the dissertation proposal defense last November 2007. Now, I am in the final stages of my dissertation and, hopefully, I could graduate this semester.

Lately, despite my busy schedule, I see to it that I personally bathe and feed my two preschoolers: Jeizsa who is turning 5 in March and Jerviz, my Ph.D. baby, who just turned 3 last December. From June to October 2007, I home-schooled them and it is amazing how in a short span of time they are able to master the alphabet, the colors and the numbers from 1 to 100. By November 2007 until the present I could no longer tutor them so I just bought them CDs and DVDs and every once in a while spend time with them singing their favorite songs and playing computer games.

My doctorate experience does not only enrich me academically and professionally. It is a spiritual and emotional journey. Three things I learn in life: 1) Life is made of differing levels of problems. When these problems cease to come, life will also end; 2) There is a greater force within us that allow us to surpass all our trials. The choice to succeed lies in us and our attitude plays an important role in every detail of our lives. We can choose to be happy and live life to the fullest; and 3) There is a Supreme Being who knows everything and He alone deserves our full dependence and trust. If we only surrender our lives to Him, we can be the best person we are designed to be and even more than what we can imagine or dream of. To God, I give all the glory and honor.#

First published in: http://rakz105.expertscolumn.com/article/miracle-life

Having Problems with Fleas? Part 1

SUCCESSFUL FLEA CONTROL TRIANGLE

Having pets and keeping them can bring great results. They keep us company; they lighten our mood; and they make us responsible owners. The list of benefits goes on and may be endless. However, with every pleasure comes a corresponding responsibility. There must then be a balance between the taking and the giving.

Owning pets can sometimes lead to letting in some pests. You may well agree with me on this. Animals can be lovely and enjoyable creatures but they need tender loving care (TLC). If they are left on their own, they may become foul-smelling, parasite-infested, ugly beings. Pet owners must exert extra efforts to make life for the pets, as well as the owners, happy and healthy.

One of the worst parasites that our pets may acquire are the fleas. They can easily get into our households and are very difficult to get rid of. They are such nuisance that it is detestable to have them around. Consequently, skin diseasesfor both owners and pets can result from flea infestation.

A successful flea control is illustrated like a triangle. We have to consider the animal which is the victim, and the environment which consists of the interior of the house and the exterior like the yard and the premises beyond it.

The Animal 

The animals are actually the victims, not the culprit for flea infestations. Animals with hair and feathers are the ones which are susceptible to fleas. Aside from their blood being sucked, pets suffer from itchiness and discomfort and eventually from simple to serious skin diseases and hair lose. It is then important that the pets are freed from these pests.

Fleas thrive beneath the hair and suck blood from skin pores and hair follicles. In addition, fleas need a host in order to reproduce but they can survive for a long time in a favourable environment.

These pests do not necessarily dwell on hairy pets alone. The most conducive places for fleas are warm and moist places like beneath carpets, cushions and floors or ground which are kept idle for some time. A single flea on your pet may then mean several others surrounding the pet.

The Environment: Interior of the House

Since many families allow their pets to stay inside their houses and sometimes sleep with them, the fleas and eggs may accidentally fall on carpets, floors, cushions, beds and beddings. Fleas may even get into clothes and closets and multiply rapidly. These areas and objects will then become fertile grounds for flea infestation.
So anywhere the pet with fleas is allowed to tread can become a territory of these pests.

The Environment: Exterior of the House

The outside of the house is the most flea-prone area because other animals and carriers can go through these places. The yard and beyond can be easily accessed by pests through other animals and even strangers, so these places may pose a great threat to pets.
Although one cannot fully take charge of his/her environment, awareness can be a good start in solving problems related to this matter.

First published in: http://rakz105.expertscolumn.com/article/having-problems-fleas-part-1

WASH: Beauty Tips that are Truly Effective

Many women of all ages, through ages have always been conscious of staying young and beautiful. As a matter of fact, TV commercials are filled with attractive packages promising solutions and suggestions for a woman to maintain and retain her beauty – from shampoo to moisturizer to skin whiteners to slimming supplements and exercises.

Time and careful researches have proven that the most effective beautifying secret for both men and women of all ages and races is simply WASH or Water, Attitude, Sleep, and Hygiene.

Water is an effective moisturizer, cleanser and detoxify-er inside and out. Clean water is all we need to maintain that supple and clear skin. The human body needs enough water to maintain its full function thus drinking more than eight glasses of clean water is what our body needs. Water is a gentle agent that is used to remove skin dirt and make up. And mind you, it is much cheaper than the other products on sale.

An equally important beautifying factor is attitude. This is the spiritual and emotional part of being that controls the way we look at things, the way we respond to pressure, and the way we behave at all times. Having a positive attitude does not only make us successful but it keeps stress and other toxins from intruding our system. We learn not to worry, we refrain from frowning, and our face becomes radiant and more beautiful.

The next ingredient is sleep. It is important that we spend quality and restful sleep. According to experts six to eight hours sleep at night is ideal but you can also opt for a few hours of good sleep at night and naps during the day. A 15-minute nap after a rigorous mental work can greatly help before doing another difficult task. Sleep calms the nerves and revitalizes the cells. It is also during sleep that our body systems detoxify, thus sleep is very essential for normal functioning. When you have enough sleep, you wake up more cheerful and alert so you look more attractive and pleasant. Sleep is indeed effective in delaying aging and wrinkles.

Undeniably, hygiene is another factor for beautifying our bodies and relationships. Unfortunately, this is the only aspect that the commercial products have aimed at or achieved. We need to smell good, feel good, and really be physically clean. This drives away diseases and makes us a pleasant companion to others. We gain more friends if we are clean inside out too. So the next time you are tempted to try the products on the ads, step back and WASH. Stay beautiful, young and keep aiming for higher grounds.

First published in: http://rakz105.expertscolumn.com/article/wash-beauty-tips-are-truly-effective

Life after Morphine Addiction

Any form of addiction is one of the most difficult challenges in life. A person can easily get trapped into it but it is almost impossible to get out of it clean and unscathed. Morphine addiction, for example, is one of the easy traps that many people can fall into. The most common morphine street names are: cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and morphine; and one of its common effect on humans is it numbs pain and makes you feel some kind of “high” that all is well with the world.

Actually, many individuals have been restored to good health and are freed from morphine addiction through the help of rehabilitation centers and kind hearted individuals and institutions. Another serious problem arises, however, when they are exposed back to the “world” where their former buddies and drug pushers abound. Also, when they are once again faced with the hard realities of normal life and are tempted once again to succumb to the promise of relief by this drug, will they be able to firmly say NO?

Rehabilitation therefore does not end with the withdrawal of the person from drug dependence; it goes beyond the four walls of the rehabilitation facilities into their homecoming and exposure to their former friends and environment. Since this is a serious matter that needs serious consideration, here are suggestions to keep them going the straight path namely: sustained family support; a changed heart; and continued reality check.

Sustained Family Support

When the person is declared clean and ready to go home, the journey to a better life is only just beginning. This is the time when the former drug dependent is to face his or her greatest challenge. This is therefore the time that the family support becomes so vital. Outside the rehab center and the reassuring presence of the rehab helpers, the person may be in for greater struggle and even culture shock. In this case, each family member must then be aware of the special need of the individual, thus making sure that he or she is not left to herself especially in facing his or her former buddies. It would surely take a long time for him or her to be able to cope with the after morphine life and be able to resist the temptation of either conscious or unconscious setback.

If possible, the person should be under extra care of parents or loved ones; and be continually reassured and positively encouraged. In addition, a change of environment would greatly help so that he or she will not be reminded of his or her past struggle.

Changed Heart

Of course, the person himself or herself must have a changed heart during and after the rehabilitation process. He or she must be so determined never to go back to his or her old self. Most often this is more effective if the person has encountered a sort of spiritual and emotional realization that he or she is important; in a way, it is having developed in himself or herself a positive self-image and self-esteem.

One of the ways of maintaining a positive outlook in life is by being able to get involved in life changing causes or being busy with new projects or a fulfilling job. When the individual experiences significance and fulfillment, he or she would less likely slide back to drug addiction and negative habits.

Continued Reality Check

Finally, to be truly successful in a life free of morphine and any form or addiction, the person as well as his family or loved ones must always be alert and conscious of the power and presence of problems and possible addiction to quick relief. This may need commitment and determination on the person as well as the people that surround him or her. 

Sometimes it appears that getting out of addiction and staying away from addiction after rehab are equally difficult processes. Human nature dictates a craving for all that is pleasurable and you do not usually know what feels or tastes good unless you have been through it before. This is one of the reasons why this after rehab life should be strictly monitored and followed up. Life’s problems would always be there, so the person must realize that he or she must be responsible and accountable for his or her life and with his or her coping mechanisms.
 

First published in: http://rakz105.expertscolumn.com/article/life-after-morphine-addiction

How to Overcome Work-Related Stress

A sign of maturity is the ability to stand on one’s own feet; and this is often proven by your having a steady income to spend for your own basic needs and wants. Having a stable job is everybody’s dream. For many, it means freedom from parental control; while for others, it means independence. But the dream we so desire can sometimes turn into a nightmare.

So much of the stress we suffer today are work-related. We spend most of our waking hours at work and we go home tired and exhausted every night without even enough time for ourselves and our loved ones. Can this ever be avoided? Is there such a thing as stress-free work or even just a pleasurable work? Here are some tips on overcoming stress in the workplace:

Find work that interests you

Before applying for a job, make sure you understand the demands and scope of the task at hand. Qualifications are not the only basis you need to considerin job hunting. You may find yourself qualified in many job offerings but you have to go beyond the present and imagine yourself 3 or 5 years onwards. Do you see yourself effectively working on the same job? See to it that the job you are applying for is the very thing that you want to do for the rest of your life. If not, look elsewhere for things that you would enjoy doing for years. It would be wiser to get only one job in your lifetime than to shift from one job to another without finding fulfillment in any of those jobs.

Love your work

If you missed the first tip and you have landed into a stable and high-paying job and you think you would lose much in leaving it, then you can still do something about your present situation. Learn to love what you are doing. Many of us succeed in the things we enjoy doing such as sports and hobbies. Our work can become pleasurable if we learn to find purpose in everything that we do. Although this may take some time to develop, the good news is it is possible.

Accept your boss

One of the many reasons for being stressed out at work is the way weperceive our bosses. Many of them are too demanding, domineering and cranky. Others impose unrealistic deadlines. We seem to be on our toes every time they are around and only tend to relax when they are gone somewhere. Most often, the problem lies in our perception of our bosses because we also have our own expectations for employers. We want them to be fair and understanding but we tend to forget that they are also human beings who are burdened with so much expectations and responsibilities. Remember, they too have their own doses of stress which are far heavier than our own.

Ignore gossip and competition

The worst enemy at work is the way we respond to gossip and competition among colleagues. Although this may sound childish, many of us become willing victims by succumbing to this type of peer pressure such that our attitude and work habits are affected. We tend to believe lies and waste our time feeling betrayed and dealt with unjustly by our own employers. Even by simply hearing and listening to the negative comments and complaints in the workplace can affect our performance which may even drive us to dread every moment we spend at work.

Have a thankful heart

Finally, be grateful for the work you have. The grass in the neighbor’s yard may appear greener but the attitude of your heart will change the way you look at your own situation. Learn to be thankful that you have your job; cultivate interest in every single task you are given by being creative and by making a difference in everything you do. Your efforts will not go unnoticed and you will be surprised that promotion is easier to get by having a positive attitude towards your work, you boss, and your colleagues.

You may ask me if I have proven all these tips? Well, I have just been through one job in twenty years and those years are enough to teach me all these. Try it and you will surely have a change in outlook and a lighter, more relaxed life.

First published in: http://rakz105.expertscolumn.com/article/how-overcome-work-related-stress

Living without Morphine

Living in dependence with some substance such as morphine is acquired through many possible forms such as peer pressure, plain curiosity, and prolonged use of medication. Interestingly, the age that most people get intodrug addiction is during their youth when peer pressure is so strong. This is often made possible by the kind of people they associate with during these formative years of identity crisis. Bad and wayward is contributory to their involvement in the use and abuse of cocaine, heroin or marijuana. Moreover, disguised in different morphine street names, this substance becomes moreenticing.

Some young people and even more mature ones also try these drugs out of the sheer curiosity. Since so much information has been widespread about the pleasurable effects of these drugs, one can be easily tempted to try and experience it firsthand. Usually, people facing serious and personal problems resort to take this substance to numb the emotional hurt of the hard realities of life.
At other times, individuals who have gone through medication using morphine for extreme pain become dependent on it due to prolonged use. They reach out for this prescription drug in order to combat any form of pain. They only later realize that they become so dependent on the drug that life without it would seem unbearable. However, there is still hope for living without morphine; and this can be done when the following factors are present: personal desire; family support; discipline and determination; and a healthy environment.

Personal Desire

Generally in life, not much can be achieved if the person himself or herself doesn’t have the personal desire to attain it. Similarly, in gaining freedom over drug dependence, the first step should come from the person involved. Many institutions require the victim to be willing to submit to rehabilitation help first and foremost before he or she is admitted to the program. It is therefore necessary for someone to acknowledge his or her need and personally desire or request for help before any solution can be implemented.

Family Support

Once the person desires to let go of the addiction, the most influential people from home he or she draws strength and support is his or her family. In other words, the person’s family must be willing to commit themselves wholeheartedly to go through with the victim in this grueling journey to freedom. They must be made aware and must understand that it is a serious commitment that requires time, acceptance, resolve, sacrifice, and a lot of love. The person going through the process may not at all times be lovable because he or she may resort to difficult expressions and actions as a result of the painful and incomprehensible withdrawal period. It must be understood too that people may have different experiences; others may come out of rehab easily while others may take time and even have relapses. Positive outlook such as hope and dedication must also be practiced when going through with a loved one in getting out addiction.

Discipline and Determination

Discipline and determination on both the victim and the family must always be employed. Since they are dealing with a life changing and risky period, they must be firm and must always stay on the track. Any slackness and conformity, small or short-lived as it may seem, can make the program inefficient or cause them to start all over again from step one. Team work and cooperation are necessary components of this journey to freedom.

Healthy Environment

Lastly, a healthy and clean environment should describe the place where the drug dependent should be housed all the time. He or she should be made to stay within drug free surroundings. Any lapse in this condition is detrimental to the progress of the program. Since the process of being freed from drug addictionmay take a long time, everybody must work hand in hand to deliberately attain that goal.
Lastly, you may be doubtful and ask if there is ever hope for a drug dependent to be living without morphine. The answer is a resounding YES. It may look and sound difficult but it is truly possible. For as long as the aforementioned factors are present and are implemented, there is hope for the victim. There is indeed life after addiction; as they say: “The best is yet to come.”
 

First published in: http://rakz105.expertscolumn.com/article/living-without-morphine