The 12 Stepping Stones

An active sex life into your 60’s and beyond can benefit your overall health. There are plenty of statistics which show this can encourage a person to live a very healthy lifestyle. For many people, they will be more concerned about their overall appearance and they eat better and exercise more.

Many individuals engaging in sex when they are over 60 are also more concerned with their overall health. This means they are willing to keep their appointments for annual check ups. They also do what the doctor recommends in regards to taking medications and to making changes to their daily habits.

The topic has become more of an issue in our society due to people living longer than ever before. For many people, life doesn’t end when they retire as it is only beginning. They can pursue new interests and they can enjoy having an active sex life. For most people at this age and older, there is no reason not to continue experimenting with sex and having a great time.

It can be a time to get to know your body in new ways. You may find sex is different at this age though. It may not occur as often and it may not last as long from start to finish. Yet there are still plenty of ways to please your partner and to make the most of it. It is always good to communicate what makes you feel good to your partner so you get all you can out of your sexual experiences.

Having a healthy lifestyle is very important for people of any age. As you get older it becomes even more important. You can make sure sexual activity continues to be a great part of life at any age. It is great to eliminate the use of tobacco and alcohol from your lifestyle. You should also eat right, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly.

Many people in their 60’s will tell you that continuing to have sex makes them feel younger. This carries over into many other aspects of their life as well. They feel better physically and mentally. They also find they are able to maintain a very healthy and intimate relationship with that special person in their life.

In our society, it has become more socially acceptable for people to have active sex lives later in life. In the past it was deemed gross or even out of line for people of such age to think about sex. So, they kept their thoughts and activities private. Today they are able to explore and share without feeling guilty or feeling like they are being judged.

It is believed that a positive attitude about sex and realizing it is natural to want to continue having sex when you are older plays a vital role in your life. The people who don’t question their desire for sexual activity into their 60’s can relax and enjoy it. They won’t be inhibited by their age or what is going on around them.

Over the past several years or so, a variety of alternative therapies have become more and more popular among the masses—one of which is acupuncture. Acupuncture has a number of benefits and positive effects. But chances are that you didn’t realize it could also have a positive impact on your sex life.

A study in January 2010 conducted by Henry Ford Hospital showed that acupuncture effectively reduces hot flashes (even more so than drugs) and helps boost sex drive. The study was conducted specifically with breast cancer patients in mind; however, these benefits can be helpful for even those unaffected by the disease. The study focused on two groups of women for twelve weeks; one group received acupuncture therapy while the other relied on Venlafaxine drug therapy. While at the start of the study, both groups experienced up to a 50% reduction in night sweat and hot flash symptoms, the group receiving drug therapy experienced an increase in symptoms at the end of the treatment period. The group receiving acupuncture did not experience this increase in symptoms.

While boosting your sex drive and soothing those hot flashes that can come with menopause may seem like reason enough to give acupuncture a try, those of you having issues becoming pregnant may want to give it a shot also. Acupuncture reportedly promotes blood circulation in the pelvic area, improving ovarian function. It also helps to improve the thickness of uterine lining, enhance uterine blood flow, and promote follicle production, all of which promotes a healthier reproductive system. In fact, in 2002, German researchers showed that when women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) used acupuncture, their success rate increased by nearly 50%.

As you can see, acupuncture has quite the effect on the body’s reproductive system. Studies have shown it to boost sex drive, soothe hot flashes and night sweats, and help to make IVF more effective.

Katrina Robinson is a guest writer and blogger for eDrugstore.MD, a leading safe U.S. online medication facilitator since 2001 where customers can purchase Viagra online. For more tips on relationships check out our Dating Coaches Podcast Page.

(Picture Credit: TopNews.in, NineMSN)

Has your relationship stalled in the bedroom?  If so, you may consider terminating the relationship.  But, would you consider ending things if it is a long term relationship?  What if you are married?  Is your answer different if you really do love your partner?  So, what steps should you take?

If you’re unhappy in the bedroom, it is important to know that ending a marriage or a relationship should be a last resort. The first thing you should do, is to take steps to spice things up.  This could improve more than just your intimacy with your partner, it could do wonders for your relationship in general.

As nice as it is to hear that you can and should spice things up and in the bedroom, you may not know how you should proceed.  If that is the case, keep reading and I’ll share some tips. Below there are four easy ways that you can spice things up in the bedroom.

Engage in Foreplay

When you do have sex, what happens?  Do you and your partner get right down to business?  If you do, that may be a huge problem.  Unfortunately, many couples do not realize that intimacy is much more than just about having sex.  It is also about having a happy and healthy relationship.  If you rely on sex to make your relationship succeed, there is a very good chance that it will fail.

If you and your partner don’t already engage in foreplay, start… NOW!  Its also important to remember that foreplay doesn’t have to wait until you’re in the bedroom. Think outside the box and let’s get creative. Call your lover, send a text message, or hide a handwritten note letting your partner know about your desires to be intimate with them later on. Build the anticipation and give your partner something to think about throughout the door and to look forward to later.

Be Spontaneous

When you want to have sex, what do you do?  If you actually take the time to ask your partner if they want to be intimate with you, you may do more harm than good.  Stopping what you’re doing to ask first can make spending time together seem like a chore. Intimacy and sex shouldn’t be a chore. It should be time you want to spend together and this time should bring you pleasure.  The next time that you want to move to the bedroom, don’t ask. Instead, take your partner by the hand and lead them to the bedroom. On second thought, you don’t have to head to the bedroom….

Being spontaneous is more than just skipping the talk. Think of other ways to be spontaneous.

• Schedule a private lunch with your partner
• Meet at a private place for an intimate picnic
• Pick your partner up at work and go on a date
• Find a romantic place to watch the sun go down
• Offer to wash your partner’s hair in the shower
• Move in close behind your partner while their washing the dishes and start by kissing their neck or back
• Whisper in his or her ear and tell them what you want to do to them
• If you only have sex at night in bed – take the initiative on Saturday morning in the shower
• Look for chances to be spontaneous, even if it is just hot passionate kissing, it will keep the passion alive and you can pick up again that night.

Talk About Your Fantasies

One of the biggest reasons couples have problems with sex is because one person isn’t having their desires fulfilled. Is that is the case with you?  Does your partner know what you like or what you want? Do you know what your partner wants from your intimacy? Do you have sex and make love, or do you have a deep intimacy? If either of you do not know what the other ways, it is time to speak up.

Find a private time with just the two of you to talk with your partner about your sexual fantasies and desires.  What would you like to try in the bedroom?  What do you like, what do you want more of and what would you like to change? In addition to expressing your wants, needs, and darkest fantasies, let your partner do the same. You should both walk away from an intimate encounter pleased.

When you and your partner share your wants, needs, desires and fantasies – keep the conversation positive and never belittle or make fun of each other. You need to be sure your partner will take you seriously and listen to you.

Experiment in the Bedroom

Another easy way you can spice up things in the bedroom is by experimenting.  When you do, you may be pleased with all of your options. For starters, you can try new sexual position.  This may not only lead to extra pleasure, but fun and excitement.  Sex toys, romantic or pornographic videos, and role playing are other good ways to experiment in the bedroom.

Experimenting in the bedroom is a good way to spice up your intimacy, but use your best judgment.  It is smart to talk to your partner about making changes first. While you’re in bed, is not the time to bring changes. So what are you waiting for?  It is time to get started.

Would you like personal assistance to find ways to spice up your bedroom and your life? Feel free to contact me for more details about how a love coach and a master expert can work with you – lovecoachjourney@gmail.com

Many people could see life through a very different and more positive perspective if they were able to build self-esteem. There are people who say that self-esteem, self-confidence and loving yourself is a bad thing and is a sign of conceit. But they miss the real point. There is almost nothing more valuable than having a healthy love for yourself. This gives you the foundation and stepping stone to build a happy life and a lasting, loving relationship with your partner.

Let’s start with an explanation. Self-esteem is your personal view of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Everyone has a different view of themselves, but a positive outlook is more beneficial than a negative one.

Many individuals suffer from low self-esteem for a variety of reasons and need to build their self-esteem in order to succeed in life.  You are the only one who can make you excel. The same thing applies to self-esteem, the only person who can build up, or tear down, your self-esteem is you. Other people may assist your progress, but the end decision is yours.

People have low esteem for a variety of reasons. Some individuals suffer from poor body image and focus on all the negative traits of their physical appearance. Others
have emotional issues that caused their self-esteem to drop or feel unworthy.  Whatever reasons your self-esteem falters, the key to building it up again is to find the root of the problem. Think of self-esteem like a house, if you build a stunning house on a poor foundation, the entire structure will crumble. If you build a solid foundation, the process may be slow, but your self-esteem will be built soundly.

A main factor in self-esteem is negativity. Negative thoughts can erode your confidence and crumble your self-esteem.  If you are surrounded by negative people or in a negative situation, you need to eliminate the problem.  Often, individuals in an abusive relationship have their self-esteem shattered when their partner berates them and questions their worth.  A negative work environment can lower your self-esteem with co-workers finding fault with your work.  Maybe you have a friend who is negative with everything surrounding him or her.

Distancing yourself from the negativity will help you regain your self-esteem. Work to surround yourself with positive people. From personal experience, I can tell you that cutting your time around negative people and replacing them with positive people – you will be amazed at the difference in your outlook and your perspective. It is only a beginning, but it’s a great first step on your journey to a more positive lifestyle.

There are a large number of self-help books to help people with low self-esteem. You can check the local library or bookstore and there is always Amazon online. It’s unlikely that all the answers you need are in a book, but it can be a good place to start. Something else that you can consider is working with a coach who helps you find the root problems and gives you the tools to build your self-esteem. Keep in mind that low self-esteem can wreak havoc with your relationships. You want your partner to love and cherish you – but you need to love and cherish yourself. Low self-esteem makes it difficult to love yourself. I highly recommend a free ebook I wrote, download your free copy here. I would also suggest you listen to my radio show on learning to love yourself. Both are free and both include information that will help you.

However you choose to begin building your self-esteem, do so today!  Be thorough and consistent with the process and be aware it may take a while.  You should not become impatient or despondent if you find your self-esteem slipping.  Remember, you are an important and worthy person and should treat yourself as such.

No matter what life hands us, just remember…Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass – it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.

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Are you ready for love? Are you in the mood for love?  You may not be sure at this point. Maybe you’re not quite ready yet?  Once you start to bring romance into your life or if this is your first dive into the pool of romance, there is something you will notice. You will start to experience a wonderful new mood which is inspired by your new romance with your partner. Even if you’re married, you may not have really been romantic. Now is the time. Let’s get started… setting the mood for romance.

You can start off slowly with the familiar and traditional romantic gestures like holding doors open, flowers, candy, little love letters and special attention to his or her needs.  Once you make these romantic gestures habits in your relationship, you will notice an increase in your appetite for more romance and similar moods.  One way to satisfy your newfound appetite is with some sensuous fun in addition to romantic ideas.

When you’re ready to add romantic acts into your daily routine with your partner, be creative.  For example, you can buy decorative pillows for the bedroom with “Tonight” and “Not Tonight” printed on either side.  You can use this as your own private signal for each other and your intentions. You may want to use teddy bears that say “Him” and “Her” to show who is taking the initiative to heat things up.  Other couples will use more subtle indications as to their intentions in the bedroom.

When you want to think of your own things to do, make up your own ‘code’ to say when the mood strikes you or as a clue to what kind of mood you’re in.  Maybe your woman will say “I’m getting tired” and then you can say, “Well, then let’s get you to bed.”  Try something even more subtle like saying the same word three times in the same sentence like ‘blue’ or another obvious word.  Walk up to your partner and begin humming ‘your song’ in his or her ear.  For couples with children or others in the house, you can do something like Carol Burnett did in her television show when she tugged her earlobe as a private signal. Use whatever type of signal you both agree will be your own private foreplay that will make you want to rush off to make love!

Occasionally, use something extra special that you and your partner enjoy to get in the mood like chocolate!  Chocolate is one of the few things that most men and women share a love for and always enjoy more.  You can use chocolate in various ways to spark romance or initiate foreplay with your partner.  You can give your partner a gift of their favorite chocolate and that can be enough to get him or her in the mood.  If you want something a little more intimate, bring his or her favorite chocolates to bed one night and feed each other. To heat things up more, you can insist that your partner has lick off the chocolate that melts on your fingers.  To take it a step further, you can ‘accidentally’ get some melted chocolate on your partner’s body!  Lick it off, making sure to get it all. Be sure to let your partner know how good it tastes and definitely do it again and again!

I’ve heard that chocolate is an aphrodisiac.  Why not test the sensual power of chocolate in a variety of ways with your partner.

Ho w many people do you know that have a number of pains and discomforts in their life? It may be back pain, sore throat, migraines, headaches, shoulder pain, knee pain, and the list goes on and on. People can find it difficult to love life or even be happy much of the time, when they have to deal with ongoing or extreme pain.

I’m not a fan of popping pills – over the counter or prescription medicines – for all our pains and problems. So I’ve very happy to be able to say there are other ways of relieving pain and stress without medication or drugs.  There are even methods that not only relieve the pain, but increase our energy level and quality of life.  One of the downsides of taking drugs to manage pain is that they tend to take away our mental clarity.  But, being in pain distracts us from being able to focus on what we’re doing.

When we’re interested in managing pain and stress without medication, it is best to tell our doctor or attending physician first.  They will likely know appropriate methods that are best fit for the patient’s condition. But keep in mind you may get some resistance from your health care provider if you want to use a more natural approach.

Natural Health Care Alternatives

There are different methods of pain management without taking any drugs or pain relievers.  Hypnosis is one method that is taught to help patients control their pain.  You may be wondering how it work.

When a patient experiences pain, electrical signals are sent to the brain.  What they do is they stop the signal to stop the pain.  An example is to imagine or pretend to eat a lemon.  Most people feel the tart, tangy taste and sometimes feel pain in the jaw while eating the lemon.  That is because the memory or thought of the lemon to the subconscious mind is real, so the mind responds as it would if you were actually eating a lemon.  It creates, the same biochemical, physiological response as if you were actually eating a lemon.  So, a person can change their thoughts in order to change the response.

Another example of natural healing is reflexology.  This is the practice of massaging, squeezing  or pushing on parts of the feet, hands and even the head to produce a beneficial effect on different parts of the body or relieve pain.  There are points on the foot and hand that correspond to areas of the body.  If you have never tried this, you should. I’ve had awesome results to headaches with reflexology and would like to learn more. If you enjoy a regular foot massage, you should definitely try this – it is very different, in a good way.

It is important to use caution. Some patients delay seeking conventional help because reflexology has helped them deal with the pain. There are concerns from health care professionals that sometimes potentially serious illnesses were not treated right away.  For pains that are not usually encountered or unusual, it is very important to consult a doctor to diagnose the source or reason of the pain.

This is why I mentioned headaches. I have quite a few headaches and although I have spoken to my health care provider and I have 2 prescriptions for them – I like to try to alleviate or lessen the pain through natural methods first.

Acupuncture, which is an ancient practice, can also provide pain relief for many patients.  Fine needles are inserted into the skin at strategic points on the body to relieve pain and treat disease.  This method has been developed by the Chinese in accordance with the theory that energy flows through channels between the surface of the body and internal organs.

According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there is evidence that acupuncture stimulates the points that release electromagnetic signals.  These signals send the flow of healing or pain-killing chemicals to injured areas.  Acupuncture may increase the flow of these natural pain killers.  That is why patients feel relieved from pain. Some even say they have a greater sense of well-being, both physically and emotionally.

More and more people are showing interest in unconventional medical approaches to cure pain and also other health problems.  According to the survey by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 38 percent of adults use alternative medicine.   More children are taking alternative medication for back pain, cold, anxiety, stress and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Pain can be managed and addressed through different methods.  It is just a matter of choosing the way that is best suited to your needs.  Loving life in the midst of pain can be a reality – and often without medications.

You can benefit by developing a healthy self-love. Learning to love yourself helps you develop self-esteem, self-respect and confidence. These traits enable you to find and enjoy a healthy, happy and satisfying love. Loving yourself can also lead to a very satisfying love life. To learn more about how to Make it Happen! Discover More Love and Passion, click here. Tune in to help yourself, whether you’re single and looking for love or if you’d like to make an existing relationship even better.

Click to listen here http://webtalkradio.net/shows/ready-for-love/ or download your copy of the show.

Get your FREE copy of my ebook on love coaching – http://myfreeinformationarticles.com/make-it-happen/ and my ebook on Art of Kissing from Head to Toe – http://myfreeinformationarticles.com/kissing-head-to-toe/.  There is a special offer in the back of each ebook. You can connect with Ready for Love Radio on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ready-For-Love-Radio/188040544549076, This is the place for insider information about the show and a great place to share your thoughts and questions.

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Respect is a basic human value. It is defined as an attitude of admiration or esteem for a person. This feeling is generally a result of how we feel about a person’s achievements. How much we care for the person can also contribute to the respect we show to them. While all people deserve respect, not many of they receive this.

Everyone wants to be respected by others but not everyone gets respect and some don’t act in a way that makes them deserving of it. To start, let’s define a person who deserves our respect.

First of all, keep in mind that in order to demand or expect respect, you will have to treat others with equal amount of respect. I’ve heard the phrase “demand respect” my entire life. But, I feel people earn our respect through their actions, words and deeds.

‘Respect’ is just a word, but what it means and how it reflects on us can make all the difference in how we see ourselves and others — and how we relate to future possibilities and choices.

Respect in Your Relationship

I feel the keys to a successful relationship include: open honest communication, trust, love and respect. These traits help us shine in the good times but also build our strength and resolve in the tough times.

Many successful relationships have been built around different political or religious believes, but it all boils down to respect. They are based on the belief that both partners are equal, that the power and control in the relationship are equally share. In a relationship, respect means listening each other, valuing each other’s opinions, and understanding the other’s emotions.

If you want to encourage and develop respect with your partner, here are some helpful tips.

First of all it is very important to have self-respect. Treat yourself with respect. If she sees that you don’t have any respect for yourself she might decide she doesn’t have to show you respect either, because it is not important to you.

Give what you take. Show respect if you want to be respected. Everyone wants to be admired and appreciated. If you show your girlfriend that she is important to you, she is more likely to show how important you are to her. Be attentive, give compliments, and make her feel comfortable and content with you. Admire and respect the person you are with and listen when she talks. She’ll love to spend time with you.

Relax. Women sometimes think men are mediocre because they have a boring personality. So, when you have a date with her relax and have fun and she will feel great with you. If she finds you uptight and boring you may get dumped. If you make her feel good she will respect you for the funny guy you are, it is a great quality to be able to make her smile even when she is sad.

Don’t lie. We all know women don’t like to be lied to. If she caught you in a lie she will definitely not have respect for you. But, if she sees that you are sincere with her, she will be proud of you and show more respect for you.

Be confident and polite. Look into her eyes when she talks to you and make her feel that you are a person she can trust. Show her that she can talk with you about any subject or problem and can count on your help. Don’t forget to be polite, this will bring mutual respect.

Both people in a relationship need to show respect and to have their partner show respect for them. Here are some ways you can do that for one another.

• Let each other feel comfortable about themselves
• Be able to when you’re wrong
• Be willing to compromise
• Respect each other’s opinions, feelings and friends
• Try to resolve conflicts by talking honesty
• Accept when one of you say no to things you don’t want to do

So, take a deep look at your relationship to see if you and your partner are doing these things for one another. If not, you should work on cultivating more respect for one another.

People you want to find various ways to love life, begin your quest by looking at yourself. Do you love what you see? You need to understand that you are the captain of your own life’s journey. To pursue what you have in your mind – you need to understand two primary things. You must understand how far you are willing to go and what are you willing to risk to reach your destination.

This is often easier said than done. Our life becomes more challenging as years go by. You soon realize life is a phase you must conquer and sometimes a maze where you must understand every twist and turn in order to know where to go.

Listen to Your Heart

This may sound a cliché but it is true. The most important thing that can lead you to the right destinations is by listening to your heart’s desires. As you age, you realize life is complex. There are times that your heart is overpowered by anger or fear. There are many emotions that make it difficult for you to know what your heart is trying to say to you.

You must know how to balance your intelligence and your emotions. This is the reason why you have the ability to think things through. Your heart tells you what you want. Your mind balances everything by presenting you with your options along with the advantages and disadvantages of the various decisions.

In the end, it is a matter of determining what is really important and why. It may take years before you hone the details. But the idea is to continue on your journey even in those times when you feel like life is no longer giving you reasons to go on. There can definitely be times like that. But if you succumb to the negative situation, you lose all the hard work and preparation you have already done to reach the place you are in that journey now.

Take Another Look in the Mirror

You may not always like what you see in the mirror. But it doesn’t mean you should turn your back on it. You must learn to accept who you are. This includes your ugliness and all your imperfections, just like you love and accept your beauty and your strengths. It is a process of learning to balance the good and the not so good in order to make things work the way you want them to.

Here are some things you should consider in your quest to know yourself better and love your life more.

1. Everybody experiences problems. Just because there are times when you are faced with a disturbing dilemma, that doesn’t mean it is the end of the road for you. You must learn how to work things out and to overcome these bumps in the road of life. Understand that you are a unique person and you have your own unique ways of solving whatever problems you are faced with each day.

2. As you face each problem that you encounter, the situation will ease up as you learn the process. This will help you to be a better person and a better judge of what is good and what is not good for you. So, the next time you face another problem, you will know better how to handle it.

Keep a positive attitude towards loving life. It will make everything easier for you and will guide you to the right path as you come closer to achieving what you heart longs to gain.