Problem: Article: Extending loving kindness to yourself and the people around you can improve the way you think. Plus, it spreads goodness around you. Change the way you speak to yourself by replacing negative self-talk with positive self-talk. Additionally, assume the best about others, and forgive people when they slip up. Instead of judging people, you can “assess” them. For example, you might notice that a particular coworker is often late in meeting deadlines. It’s okay to recognize this habit and adjust your expectations when working with them. However, you don’t need to judge them by making assumptions about why they are late or thinking badly about them. To figure out what’s important to you, do a self-inventory. List your goals, core beliefs, and what you want in life. Additionally, think about what you think is most important in life, such as how you want to live and how you think people should be treated. Then, make choices that reflect what’s important to you. For example, you might believe experiences are more important than things, people deserve respect, and animals aren’t meant to be used by humans. To reflect these ideals, you might spend any extra money you make on travels, volunteer or donate to help others, treat others as you would like to be treated, and become a vegetarian. when learning about the world and other people. It’s really easy to get trapped in a narrow perspective of the world, but this can block you from becoming enlightened. Every person is filtering the world through their own mind, so each person’s experience of the world and how it works is a little different. In some ways, this means that truth is relative. The only way you can really understand things is to open your mind to how others see the world.  For example, approach cultures and religions outside your own with a goal of learning and understanding, not judging. Similarly, don’t assume everyone has had the same experiences as you have. Be open to learning more about how others live and why. You can be more open minded by reading more and venturing outside your comfort zone. Every person makes mistakes, but there can be value in your slip-ups. Instead of being down on yourself, think about how that mistake can help you grow and progress toward enlightenment. Additionally, look for ways you can avoid making that mistake again in the future.  You have to make mistakes in life in order to learn the lessons you need in order to become the person you’re meant to be. Sometimes experience is the best teacher. Ask yourself questions like, “What can I learn from this?” “How has this changed me?” or “What can I do differently next time?” You may not be able to become enlightened purely by reading the words of others, but learning what others think can help you understand more about your own thoughts. Read books written by great philosophers and teachers, especially those you believe have reached enlightenment.  Remember, you don’t have to believe everything someone says. For example, study great philosophers and teachers, such as Gautama Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tzu, Shunryu Suzuki, Mohammed, Dante Alighieri, and Sir Francis Bacon. Similarly, it’s helpful to learn about the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths, which can help you find enlightenment.
Summary: Be kind to yourself and others. Act according to your beliefs and values. Keep an open mind Find the lesson in your mistakes. Read what others have written about enlightenment.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you don’t already know why your parents dislike your fiancé, you should ask them. Once you know exactly what their concerns are, you can take steps to address them and hopefully improve the relationship.  You might say, for example, “Mom, Dad, I know that you don’t care for my fiancé very much. But I’m not sure why. Could we talk about it?” Or, you might directly say to them, “Could you tell me why you don't like my fiancé?” It may be easier for you to begin the process of overcoming your parents’ dislike for your fiancé without your future spouse’s presence.  You’re likely to have a greater comfort level this way, and your parents may be more willing to speak freely.  You don’t have to hide this from your fiancé, though; say something like “I’m going to talk to my parents about why they seem to dislike you. I think it will be best if we bring you into the discussion a little later.” Listen carefully and calmly to what your parents have to say. Find out if the problem is finances, prospects, attitude, background, beliefs, or some other factors. After you’ve spoken to your parents alone, or, right from the start if you prefer, sit down with them and your fiancé and talk about the situation. Having open and honest communication about what is going on and how your parents feel may bring a peaceful and happy resolution to the situation.  Try to talk at a neutral place like a restaurant or a park. You all may be less likely to get upset in a public place like this. You might tell your parents and your fiancé,  “We’re all going to sit down and talk about this situation so that we can work it out.” Be calm but firm in your insistence that your marriage plans will not be derailed and that an accommodation must be reached. Sometimes parents have concerns about their future in-laws because of worries they have for their child’s happiness. Talk to your parents about your decision and let them know that they have nothing to worry about. This can help alleviate some of their worries and help them like your fiancé a bit better.  For example, you could say, “You guys raised me well and I hope you can trust that I’ve thought this decision through. I know that I’m making the right choice and that I’m planning for a successful future with my fiancé.” Or, you might say, “I know that you want the best for me. If you give my fiancé a chance, I’m sure that your feelings will change.”

SUMMARY: Ask your parents what their concerns are. Talk to your parents alone. Talk about the situation as a group. Reassure your parents.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Fermented dairy products contain both probiotics and prebiotics. Eat 1 serving of fermented dairy products per day. Fermented dairy products include plain yogurt, cottage cheese, kefir, whey, buttermilk, leben, and crème fraîche.  Look for yogurt products with the label “active cultures” on it. Choose natural yogurts over sweetened yogurts. Instead, sweeten your yogurt naturally with fruit like bananas, peaches, blueberries, and strawberries. Probiotics are microorganisms that stimulate the growth of gut flora. Prebiotics are the fibers that feed probiotics. Non-dairy fermented foods, or pickled foods, are a great alternative to fermented dairy products if you are lactose intolerant. Like fermented dairy products, pickled foods contain probiotics. Eating pickled foods consistently will help you restore your gut flora. Non-dairy fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, corn relish, miso, tempeh, natto, fermented tofu, and pickled vegetables like cucumbers, beets, cabbage, and radish. Taking a probiotic supplement is another great way to restore your gut flora. Take the supplement per the instructions on the bottle. If you are already eating fermented foods to restore your gut flora, it is safe to take a probiotic supplement as well. However, you can take a supplement in place of eating fermented foods, if you do not like fermented food.  Contact your doctor if you are unsure how often you should take the supplement, or if you are taking other medications. If you are taking an antibiotic, a probiotic supplement may help restore your gut flora.  Probiotic supplements are formulated to treat many different conditions. If you have IBS, for instance, you might try using VSL#3. Talk to your doctor or your pharmacist about the ideal product for your specific symptoms.
Summary:
Consume fermented dairy products. Add non-dairy fermented foods to your meals 1 to 2 times per day. Take a probiotic supplement.