Editor's Pick, Mind & Spirit

The Benefits of Wanting Less

Understanding the benefits of wanting less go back millennia. Socrates said: “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” I had always loved to shop. A lot. I could spend a whole Saturday going from store to store without stopping. In fact, some ...

Tatiana Denning

A rich lady shopping.

The Compassion of General Yue Fei, an Ancient Chinese Legend

Ancient China had military generals who changed the course of history, leaving stories of legends that have been told for centuries. These stories are of endurance in battle, loyalty to their kingdoms, and tales of wise, brave young men. The most famous military general was Yue Fei, whose story is the most notable. The compassion of Yue Fei ...

Emma Lu

The battle of Zhuxian County.

3 Hongkongers Who Stand Firm for Freedom and Democracy

On July 1, 2020, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) imposed Hong Kong’s National Security Law, effectively eroding away freedom and democracy in the city over the last year. Hong Kong has rapidly transformed from a free, global financial hub into an authoritarian society.   In this trying situation, speaking up for freedom and democracy has become ...

Tatiana Denning

Hong Kong police in riot gear supressing people demonstrating for democracy and freedom.

Maintaining Mental Health During COVID-19 and Beyond

Mental health is essential because it is a vital part of life and impacts thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Mental well-being also includes psychological and social well-being. Mental well-being is vital throughout all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.  Mental health conditions can have a substantial effect on all aspects of life. Therefore, it ...

Katrina Hicks

A sad man wearing a blue.

How Chronic Stress Usually Leads to Weight Gain

Have you ever wondered why some people gain weight during periods of chronic stress, while others may lose it? You’ve likely heard the saying: “We only know what we know?” Well, that is especially true when it comes to the science of nutrition, which still keeps evolving. It was once believed that weight loss was ...

Sheridan Genrich

Lady on bed wearing white with her hands covering her face.

4 Inspirational Stories to Uplift Your Soul

Short inspirational stories are powerful reads; the best thing is that they are easy to digest, and there’s always a moral at the end of each story. Whether they are true stories or not, whether they are legends hundreds of years old, some stories are so powerful and inspirational that they will get you thinking. We ...

Raven Montmorency

An arrow.

Koh-i-Noor: The Legend and Curse of a British Crown Jewel

The 105 carat Koh-i-Noor is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world — and it comes with a curse. The legend states that the diamond is some 5,000 years old, and is also referred to as the Syamantaka jewel. Koh-i-Noor means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, and was 186 carats (or 37.2 g) before Prince ...

Max Lu

The Koh-i-Noor diamond.

7 Roald Dahl Quotes That Stir the Child Within

Roald Dahl was a British novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. Roald Dahl was born in Wales to Norwegian immigrant parents. He served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He became a fighter pilot and, subsequently, an intelligence officer, rising to the rank of acting wing commander. He rose to ...

Jessica Kneipp

Roald Dahl.

Maggie Mac Neil Won More Than Just Gold at the Tokyo Olympics

Chinese Canadian swimmer Maggie Mac Neil, a.k.a. Margaret, won the women’s 100m butterfly final on July 26, 2021, at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.  It was a triumphal moment for both the 21-year-old and her parents.  While it seems like a great victory for her as an individual and the collective nation of Canada, it is ...

Hermann Rohr

Margarete Mac Neil at the end of a race.

7 Symptoms of Dehydration

It is important to recognize the symptoms of dehydration. In summer, dehydration can be a major problem. Not only water, but also important electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, may be lost from the body and it becomes essential to replace them. The dangers of dehydration  The main reason why people need to rehydrate when ...

Helen London

Close up of a glass of water being offered to someone by a child outdoors.