In any field of work and industry, it is very important to possess good communication skills. This is to be able to express yourself well in dealing with other people, especially clients of the company and prospect patrons of the products that you are trying to sell. When you have good communication skills, expect to be noticed immediately by the bosses of the company as well as your target buyers because what they are both looking for is someone that can answer their queries and explain things thoroughly.


You will notice this preference by employers as soon as your application with the company begins. It might be written on the job qualification included in their job posting or openly pointed out by the interviewer when you reach this stage of your application. This is why as early as submitting your resume, you must already show that you have good communication skills that he company can count on once they hire you.


When applying for a job, there are a few ways to establish good communications with your prospect employer, which you may implement during your first meeting. Maintain eye contact when answering a question and expound on your answer if necessary. Listen carefully to the person speaking as communication is always a two-way process. It does not only mean that you are able to speak clear but also implies that you are able to listen when others speak.


Good communication skills may be oral or written, but having both is definitely a big advantage on your part. Once you get the job, you must also exhibit this skill when it comes to written communication, such corporate letters and memos. A well-composed letter that goes direct to the point never fails to get the message across. Also, nicely written short notes also show your colleague how good a communicator you are. Certainly having good communication skills is not only required when dealing with a boss or client. You must also show such skills when interacting with your colleagues. This is to avoid any possible misunderstanding as also build friendship among your office mates.
   

You may practice having good communication skills at home so that you will be ready when you finally start in your new job. When leaving a note for other family members on the door of the refrigerator, make sure that your message is clearly written so that your instructions may be carried out correctly. Practice makes perfect but being sincere at all times is really the best way to obtain excellent communication skills. So always be truthful in communicating with other people, whether at home or at the office.

People in the UK have very different opinions when it comes to whether Marijuana is addictive or not and whether it’s safe for consumption.  The debate has really been heated with scientists coming out with very differing opinions.  In 2004 the British government downgraded cannabis from Grade B to Grade C however in 2009 was upgraded to Grade B again.

It’s been widely believed for years that it’s not addictive yet more and more people are coming forward to say that they are addicted and need help.  When Marijuana was originally downgraded in 2004, the numbers of people seeking help doubled which is why it was upgraded again.  Yet despite this, there has been no slow down in the numbers of people seeking help with their addiction.

There have also been studies to show how addictive different substances are.  Compared to tobacco, alcohol and heroin, the percentage of people who take cannabis and then go on to become dependant is incredibly low at only 4% compared to tobacco which is 21%.

Addiction vs. Habit

Some people claim that cannabis is addictive whilst others say that it’s just a habit.  However what is an addiction and what is simply a habit?  This is pretty difficult to quantify.  People turn to cannabis for a variety of reasons.  Perhaps they are feeling stressed, depressed or anxious.  When they take the cannabis they feel more relaxed.  Some people can even take it as way of celebrating.

When you do something on a regular basis it can easily turn into a habit however it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re addicted.  You can get into the habit of putting your slippers on as soon as you get into the house - this doesn’t mean to say you are addicted to slippers!

Of course, if the habit of taking cannabis becomes so great that it starts to have a detrimental effect on your life then it’s a serious problem that needs to be resolved.  Cannabis can become an emotional crutch and can therefore be a sign that the individual needs psychiatric help.

Withdrawal Symptoms

With other kinds of drugs, if you stop taking them your body will suffer from withdrawal symptoms.  In some cases people can even suffer from seizures which is why you need to have good medical supervision.  

It’s said that side-effects don’t happen with cannabis however people will still have to deal with their lives devoid of their emotional crutch.  Because there is no physical withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking cannabis, some people argue that this means cannabis isn’t addictive.  Conversely there are people who say that there are physical side-effects from cannabis, therefore it is addictive.

Weed vs. Skunk

There are many different terms used to describe Marijuana such as Cannabis, Ganja, Hash and Weed.  However in the 1990’s a new kid on the block appeared known as Skunk.  It was developed through selective breeding and was found to grow very well in colder climates using a growing system called hydroponics.

The problem with Skunk is that’s a totally different beast from the Hash that the hippies smoked in the 1960’s and 1970’s.  Skunk is way more powerful as it contains 10-14%  THC compared to the traditional cannabis of only 2-4%.  The result is that the effects of the Skunk is potentially very different with many people claiming to experience an effect more similar to LSD.

Unfortunately more than 80% of the cannabis sold in the UK is of the Skunk variety, whereas in 2002 the percentage was only 30%. I think this seriously adds to the confusion about whether it’s healthy, addictive or should be legalised  I think there needs to be a very clear distinction between the two and at the moment there doesn’t seem to be.

Addictive Personalities

When it comes to trying to decide whether cannabis is addictive or not, we need to consider the fact that some people have addictive personalities.  It’s believed that this is inherited through our genes and some people find it very easy to become addicted whilst there are others who don’t.

People Can Get Addicted To Anything

My personal opinion is that you can develop a habit or addiction to pretty much anything that has an effect on the chemicals in your body.  You can get addicted to eating salads and drinking lots of water because it makes you feel healthy.  You can get addicted to exercise because it releases endorphins.  You can get addicted to bungee jumping because of the adrenaline that surges through your body.

And perhaps the most addictive substance on the market is food.  People are addicted to greasy, sugary and salty food.  As a result more and more people are getting obese and therefore suffering from all the other illnesses that surround it.  

Think about the amount of money that the NHS is spending on weight loss surgery and drugs for those who have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease to name but a few.  People develop a habit or addiction towards junk food in many of the same ways they develop a habit for cannabis.  It makes you feel good and is an emotional crutch.  

Conclusion

There are certainly a lot of things to consider when looking at the issue of whether Marijuana is addictive or not.  We need to take into consideration:-
 

• Why people feel the need to take it in the first place and what is it about their lives that makes them think cannabis will help them
• Whether the individual has an addictive personality or a family history of it.
• The difference between the traditional cannabis and the super-potent skunk variety.

Please note that I do not have a medical background nor am I condoning or condemning cannabis.  I believe that as individuals we need to be as educated as we can do then go onto to make our own decisions.

Cannabis is illegal and therefore if you are buying cannabis from someone you are also buying from a criminal.  Do you really trust a criminal enough to buy a product you are putting into your body?  For instance, a lot of growers cover the plants in glass powder which helps to bulk out the product and make it look like you are getting more for your money.

Of course, this article is about whether it’s addictive or not.  You need to do further research on the health risks and whether it should be legalised.

I understand that this is a very emotive subject therefore everyone will have their own thoughts and opinions to share.  You are welcome to leave a comment however please make sure you keep it civil.

When we hear talk about simplifying our lives, there is more to it than just simply removing tangible clutter. There is an emotional aspect to this way of living as well. There is nothing like simplifying your life and getting back to the basics. Doing so will free up your time and help contribute to a stress-free lifestyle. Here are 5 things you can begin working on right now that will help you simplify your life.

1. Declutter

Go through your possessions and be judicious about what you keep. Tackle one room at a time. Make three piles: Keep, Throw Out and Donate. Do you really need two t.v.'s? What about all those old cell phones you still have hanging about? Before we moved (to a houseboat), we had wedding gifts from 15 years ago that were sitting in boxes in our attic. We got rid of the things we did not use and have not thought about it since. A lot of the things we accumulate we don't even use anymore.

It is time to get rid of the clutter. If you spend the time to do this, you will feel like a weight has been lifted off. Decluttering your life goes a long way to contributing to decluttering your brain too.

2. Alternative Housing

Think about where you currently live. Are you living in an expensive home or condo in the middle of a city? Do you really need to live there? The cost of living is always more expensive in the city than in the country, or even a small town. Consider moving or downsizing at least. More and more people are buying smaller houses and smaller condos. In fact the demand for smaller spaces has encouraged many contractors to provide compact apartment options for sale.

There are alternatives to living in traditional housing as well. Perhaps some places that you had not considered for yourself before. Living in a trailer or camper has the benefit of mobility as well as cheaper accomodation. Living on a boat is another growing trend among families. We have been doing so for the past 5 years. Modern houseboats have all the conveniences you would expect from living in a home. It is substantially cheaper to be a liveaboard than a ground-dweller.

Most of us feel tied down to our place of residence because of our jobs. The next tip will help you see that a new job may be in the cards for you.

3. A New Job

We as humans will naturally strive towards getting a higher paying job. One thing we tend to forget about is that with a higher pay comes more responsibility. More responsibility = stress and it also means that more of your time has been loaned out to someone else. If possible, take a renewed look at your job and decide if it is worth it. Is it worth the stress this puts on you? Is it worth spending all that time away from your family and friends? What about the effect it is having on your health? Spend the time on you instead. If you have found cheaper accommodation, then you can afford to take a lower paying job.  Perhaps your employer will allow you to telecommute for your job.  It's worth asking?  If you can avoid the commute to work, then you'll be on your way to living simpler.

Invest some time in your future. Take a little time to start your own business. Writing articles for Word Wolf is a great way to get started on making an income that will lead to a simpler life. One of the best aspects of this idea is that you can do it from anywhere, from your own home, at the beach, etc. You have the freedom to work from anywhere. You can therefore afford to lead a simpler life and move to a smaller town or a place in the country away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

4. Plant a Garden

Urban gardens are becoming a very popular trend. A lot of this is due to the popularity of living an eco-friendly lifestyle. At the same time, having a garden can save you money and make grocery shopping much simpler. Do you eat a lot of salads and vegetables? Think of the fresh tomatoes and lettuce you can pick daily for a fresh salad for your lunch. You can be sure they are pesticide free!

If you live in a city, there should be nothing stopping you from having a garden also. Pot gardening and container gardening can be done pretty much anywhere. If you live in an apartment building or condo, you can put them out on your balcony or ask the superintendent for some rooftop space. There are many houseboats with container gardens on their roofs as well. There are also plots available in many inner city areas for people to plant a community garden. You will get much satisfaction in planting a garden and seeing the 'fruits' of your labor. If you end up with too much of a harvest, don't waste it. Can it and use it!

5. Learn to Say No

A lot of us tend to say yes way to often and end up over committing ourselves to things that we wish we weren't doing. It is hard to say no to family and friends, but if you can work up the courage to do it a few times, they will stop asking. Don't feel guilty about it. Pick and choose to do only the important things and back away from everything else. Living a simpler life does not mean filling up all your extra time. Learn to sit back and enjoy the quiet.

Most families I know have a crazy busy schedule. They are over committing themselves to functions and activities that when it boils down to it are not really necessary. Do you drive your kids all over the place to way too many activities? Sure, it is great to get kids involved in extra-curricular activities, but there comes a time when too much is too much. Kids don't need to be in everything. Pick a couple of activities, not half a dozen. Thirty years ago we didn't have all the opportunities we do now and we all turned out fine (so we think!). The point is, I think that many parents are worried their kids are going to miss out on an opportunity and are trying to keep up with the Jones'. Pick a couple of activities that your kids are truly interested in and do those. Not all of them.

Now is the time to do something to simplify your life. It is time to free up time for yourself. Stop wasting your life away working for someone else. Spend your time building up a business for yourself and at the same time, do what you want to do. Living a simple life will go a long way to making you more fulfilled and a happier and healthier person. Listen. Do you hear that? That is the solitude and quiet life that you have created for yourself! 

There are only 24 hours in any given day. However, there are days when we want to achieve more and days when we can afford the luxury to just let go of everything, grab a beer and lay down on a beach, read a book, relax, daydream, do nothing, just be. But how can we enjoy such days more often when we have so many urgent and important things to do, most of them being needed immediately and some of then even yesterday?

Self growth has emerged into a multi-billion industry, with hundreds of stress management, anger management, time management and many other similar programs that promise individuals to become better after graduating the respective training. In reality, such courses usually have a “honeymoon effect” which makes their visible benefits to last for maximum 6 months, period after which, the students usually go back to where they were prior to attending the course. Yet, they usually feel good about participating in these programs, so they’d repeat the experience whenever they have another chance. Companies are speculating on this human behavior, and pay their employees expensive personal growth trainings as part of the remuneration package for the job. Thus, employees are happy, business owners are happy, training companies are happy, so why not going on with new programs year after year?

Time management systems are part of this madness of self improvement. We all want to be more effective, to achieve more in the same given time, so we try to find new and better ways of cutting corners and getting mountains of things done, if possible at the speed of light.

I’m asking you now: why do you strive to get all those things done today? Why is it so important for you to neglect yourself, your pleasures and your wellbeing only for fulfilling some tasks and actions you may not even care about? What if some of them will be done tomorrow? Or after tomorrow? Or never, perhaps? This brings us to the first step in putting together your customized time management program:

Prioritize

If you ask yourself what could be the worst that would happen if you don’t finish a task before its deadline, you’ll be able to see if it’s urgent or not, if it deserves a top position on your to do list, or it can even be omitted. Going through all things you want to get done for the day will lead you to putting together a prioritized to do list to help you get organized. This being done, you can take the next step which is the “doing” itself. Now it’s important to remember that one of the points of making the list was prioritizing things. Why then would you start working on several of them at once? That’s the second rule for a successful time management program:

Forget Multitasking

If you still insist you can take care of multiple things in the same time and do them all well, think a little bit of Windows, the famous multitasking computer operating system. If you’re a Windows user, you may be aware of the “blue screen or death” and of other errors which occur often enough to upset you. Besides, even if errors don’t occur, there’s a limit on how many programs can run in the same time without affecting the system performance. For a better time management, try to tackle your assignments one at a time. It’s faster. If you don’t believe this, try to monitor two days of your life: one day do things as you use to, ten at a time, and the other day do them one by one. Measure the time needed to complete all tasks then compare the results. You’ll be amazed. So, supposing you’re now convinced and you take the bullets on your to do list one by one, you may see it’s getting late and you still can’t finish everything you thought you needed to get done. Now what? Now remember:

Change Your To Do List

If your list was really long, probably the last items on it will have been done so late that it wouldn’t have mattered anymore if they were pushed for the next day. So, just push them! And remember that any item that’s being postponed for more than 5-6 days is probably not essential and it might just be skipped without consequences for you.

These are only three basic ingredients for a good time management program. However, the recipe could include more, depending on your specific situation and sometimes depending on a certain day or a certain event that might make you suddenly change your priorities. There’s nothing wrong with change, if it’s for the better, so don’t be afraid of it. Yet, if you’re afraid of change, you can always follow a change management program. That’s if you don’t want to make and pursue your own.