Have you ever wondered what it is that makes guys fall for certain women? I've gathered a list of things women do that make men fall crazy in love. Some things are flirty and fun, while others are thoughtful and deep. The best part? You're probably already doing all 21 without even knowing it.

Men can't help falling in love with women who ...

1. Laugh deeply

2. Wear delicious perfume

3. Pout pink lips

4. Talk genuinely with complete strangers

5. Show passion

The next time you get carried away talking about something you deeply care about, look at your man's eyes. You'll see a look of love and adoration.

When a person shows passion for a cause, idea, career, hobby or even another person, they show depth of character. Men might not admit it or even realize they feel this way, but they love women who have a passion. Don't be afraid to be passionate and to talk about what matters most to you.

6. Connect with nature

7. Connect with deity

8. Are healthy and whole

Why is it so attractive to see another person working on their health and wellness? It probably goes back to our primal instincts: We want to mate and keep company with those who have the best chance for survival.

Eat healthy, work out and take care of your mental health. I'm not saying you have to be perfect, but I am saying be balanced. Seek to be whole. A woman who takes care of her entire self is appealing and, more importantly, happy.

9. Are unafraid to get dirty

10. Try new things

11. Show intelligence

12. Notice the little things

You know that sense of wonder you feel when you take in the intricate details of a flower, a song, a painting or a person's face? Guys dig that. Well, the keepers do. If a guy notices you noticing the little things, that means he notices the small stuff too.

Life can appear pretty mundane, which is why it's essential to fall in love with someone who sees beyond life's monotony. Nourish your ability to notice and feel more than the average person. Seeing the miracle in the everyday is an attractive gift you don't want to lose. It makes life fulfilling, joyful and adventurous.

13. Dance

14. Let quirks shine through

15. Sport sweatpants and messy buns

A lot of people will tell you differently - that you need to keep the makeup on and the hair curled to keep the fire burning. But, while getting dressed up for your guy can reignite the flame once in a while, he actually adores you when you're at your most casual - sweatpants and all.

When you're just hanging out, watching a movie or talking about your day, he thinks your messy bun and boyfriend attire are downright attractive (sometimes even more so than your perfect hair and fancy dress).

16. Love animals and children

17. Look out for others

18. Embrace being human

This list might make you feel like you have to be a perfect woman who lives high on a celestial pedestal. But here's a secret, guys actually aren't attracted to perfection; they're attracted to realness.

You are human. You make mistakes. You fumble, fall down and forget things. You fail. And that's okay. Own up to your humanness and find joy in it - that is true beauty.

19. Show sensibility

20. Smile

21. Live life

When you are you, not because you think he'll like it but because you're just being you, a guy can't help but be interested.

We have enough pretending and insincerity in the world. Be and just do you. Trying to please others is a recipe for unhappiness. Live your life, not anyone else's. Almost nothing is more fulfilling (and attractive) than this.

You see - it really isn't about living your life in such a way to make guys fall in love with you. It's about falling in love with yourself, with your life.

This list could instead be called "21 things to make you fall completely in love with your life."

Sure, it's fun to think you can turn guys' heads, but what's more worthwhile is to be completely confident and happy with the woman you are, whether or not a guy currently recognizes you.

Take these 21 points as ways to help you live a full life and as reasons to love the woman you are.

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This isn't a post on terrorist attacks or natural disasters. While those catastrophes are fear-inducing, this article has a different purpose than to provide analysis of current events. Today I'm talking about the fear that rules your world and keeps you from being you.

You know that little voice in your head that stops you from doing things? That's fear. And most of the time it comes because we're terrified of what other people think. Why are we so afraid of what others think? Why does fear have such a strong hold on us?

Fear rules our world because of one small, sad truth: Everyone's a hater.

Yes, you read me right: Everyone's a hater. I know you and I want to believe everyone else are haters, but the cold hard truth is that we are all in this boat together.

Want proof? The reason why you and I can spy a hater so quickly is because we're excessively familiar with the hater inside. It's easy to spot what we know so well.

If you're having a hard time following me, let me explain. We live in a world where no one can do anything right. We're constantly talking down on people:

She posts too many selfies. He argues politics too much. They spend too much money. He's just showing off. She's just insecure. They just need to mind their own business. Her comment was tactless and offensive. He's a wannabe and an amateur. They are hypocrites. She's a bigot. He's too passionate. They're out of touch. And on and on and on.

Doesn't it sound all too familiar? It's like we're all living one big "Mean Girls" reality show.

We all are guilty of it. Judging has become a knee-jerk reaction to almost everything anyone does. It's like we've lost all of our faith in people and giving someone the benefit of the doubt is a foreign concept.

One of the worst effects of our overly critical world is that it instills a fear of failure. It makes us afraid to do or say or be or share anything because we're afraid someone will stick their nose up at us. We act or don't act out of fear of what others will say or think. In essence, it causes fear to rule the world.

So what's the solution? You've probably already guessed it. It is simple but takes discipline and a retraining of your brain:

1. Give people the benefit of the doubt.

2. Remember in the end, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

3. Just do you.

4. Stop hating on everybody.

5. Live and let live.

6. Watch Kacey Musgraves preach it better than I ever could:

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Do you love cereal?

If so, you're like most of us. But did you know cereals are some of the most commonly eaten processed foods?

The problem with processed foods is they often come high in added sugar, which "may very well be the single worst ingredient in the modern diet."

But you don't have to fall victim to cereal's sneaky, unhealthy ways. There are plenty of other breakfast bowls out there full of clean, wholesome goodness. And get this - they're sweet just like bowls of cereal, but they're filled with natural sugars, which may actually reduce your risk of heart disease by 7 percent!

Treat yourself and your family to these easy, healthy, gourmet breakfast bowls:

1. Dragon hearts

Cut dragon fruit into heart-shaped pieces just to remind yourself how happy your heart will be with this meal. Let the hearts float over blended acai and blueberries. Then, sprinkle a few oats on top.

2. Overnight oats

Wake up lightly by pouring almond milk over a bowl of overnight oats, which are made from oats, mashed banana, chia seeds and more almond milk that are mixed and left together overnight. In the morning add un-soaked chia seeds, kiwi, pistachios and edible petals for an earthy, homemade bowl of goodness.

3. Porridge toppings

Cozy up to a warm bowl of porridge. Delight your taste buds by adding bananas, peanut butter and your favorites seeds.

4. Raspberries and pomegranate and coconut, oh my!

Show yourself some love by adding raspberries on top of a bowl of oatmeal. Then add chia seeds, coconut shavings and pomegranate seeds for a sweet, tart flavor.

5. Coconut honey chia

Prepare a bit of chia pudding the night before by mixing chia seeds, coconut milk and honey in a glass jar and letting it sit in the fridge overnight. Greet your concoction in the a.m. with raspberry sauce and your favorite granola.

6. Tropical chia

Welcome in the sun by adding kiwis, blood oranges, bananas, red fruits compote, honey, flaxseed and sunflower seeds to chia pudding. Pour almond milk on top to keep it vegan.

7. Macadamia milk

Change up that chia pudding by preparing it the night before with macadamia nut milk instead of coconut milk. Then, sprinkle some love on your bowl in the morning by adding pomegranates, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, an assortment of seeds and flowers, homemade strawberry jam and whatever else tickles your taste buds!

8. Lemon yogurt

Keep it simple with a dollop of coconut yogurt mixed with blueberry lemon chia jam and topped with blackberries, blueberries and whatever else will make you smile.

9. Mango heaven

Mango it up with a mango bowl mixed with bananas, coconut, seeds, nuts and blueberries.

10. Blueberries and flowers

Create blueberry chia pudding by soaking chia seeds in almond milk with frozen blueberries overnight. Mix in coconut yogurt with 1 teaspoon maca and 1 teaspoon lucuma in the morning. Then, flower the bowl with pansies, fresh blueberries, mint and pumpkin seeds.

11. Buckwheat

Soak buckwheat groats with water overnight. When you wake up, drain the water and rinse the buckwheat. Next, mix it with your favorite plant-based milk, cinnamon and agave. Spoon it up with passion fruit, blueberries, raw buckwheat, cacao nibs and maybe even a cookie!

12. Everything delicious in one bowl

Kaleidoscope this baobab bowl with buckwheat, beets, berries, fennel, clementines, papaya, coconut, lavender and exotic fruit for colorful vibes all day long.

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"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before." - Philippians 3:13

Struggling to forget "those things which are behind" is perhaps one of the most tragic things that unites the human race.

But as philosophers, scientists and religious leaders have taught, healing and beauty comes from moving on and focusing on more hope-filled futures.

Perhaps that's why Elsa's song brought tears to children and adults alike when they first heard her sing"Let. It. Go."

Letting go of the haunting words spoken to you by important people in your past is particularly challenging. Sometimes that person in your past may even be you. Negative self-talk is just as harmful as negative words spoken to you by another person. If you allow them to, these words will eat away at the very core of what makes you, you.

I myself have allowed words to haunt me and get in the way of me blooming toward my possibilities; words like -

• "You're such a goody-two-shoes. That's why I broke up with you." (My 11-year-old crush)

• "He's with her, and not you, because he doesn't think you're smart/deep/interesting enough." (My 14-year-old self)

• "I can't believe you like this song. There is no meaning behind it." (My 15-year-old boyfriend)

• "Eating disorders are horrible. They make it so women can't have children. I could never be with someone like that." (My 16-year-old boyfriend)

• "If you quit, you'll always regret it." (My would-have-been varsity basketball coach)

• "My mom found out you take antidepressants. She doesn't think we should get engaged." (My 20-year-old boyfriend)

• "So many soccer moms think they can just pick up an expensive camera and be a photographer. They don't get art." (My photography teacher in college)

Revealing the words that have haunted me makes me extremely vulnerable - it reveals my weaknesses and shows I have let the words of men and what they think of me affect me for far too long. But I'm giving place for this vulnerability because I'm hoping by putting this into writing and letting it out into the digital sphere, I will start my journey toward letting it all go. And I hope most of all that if anyone can relate, they will find encouragement and help from some small part of this.

Here are five ways I am letting go of the haunting words of my past. Join me on my journey.

1. Love yourself first

This one is crucial because if we truly love ourselves, what other people think of us won't affect our self-worth. There will be no need for words to follow us around like ghosts because we'll already know who we are and know that we're enough.

This is hard to do because humans are such social creatures and what others say so easily affects us. But with practice, letting go and loving ourselves is possible.

Simple things like telling yourself what you love about yourself, forgiving yourself of past mistakes, quitting the shaming process for mistakes you'll yet make, being grateful for who you are today, giving yourself a break and loving others can slowly begin to change negative neural pathways.

2. Try something new

If you haven't already, watch Matt Cutts' less-than-four-minutes TED Talk. In it he talks about the benefits of trying something new for 30 days. "You can do anything," he remarks, "for 30 days."

What is something you've always wanted to try that the haunting words from your past have held you back from doing? Do that one thing. Try it for only 30 days. This will instill confidence and belief in yourself.

Trying new things opens up your mind to the awareness and appreciation of newness, the hope the present and future bring and your ability to carve out the life you've always dreamed of.

3. Practice mindfulness

Psychology Today states, "Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience."

What better way to let go of a haunting past than to live fully and completely aware in the present?

One of the best ways I've found success in doing this is to cultivate gratitude in moments of fear, anxiety, nostalgia or regret. When you take a moment - in almost a state of Zen - to feel gratitude, fear and other negative vibes dispel.

Practicing yoga, meditation and anything that gets your parasympathetic nervous system working helps you live a mindful life.

4. Get outside

There's a connectedness in nature you can't find anywhere else.

I have found that simply getting outside of the apartment to walk the dog, looking up at the sapphire sky and feeling the sun tickle the hairs on my arms is enough to get me thinking outside of myself.

When we let our pasts follow us around, we are doing one thing extremely well: focusing on ourselves. By getting outside and seeing the world around us, we broaden our perspectives and strengthen feelings of thankfulness.

5. Focus on present relationships and gleaming futures

Lastly, we must do as St. Paul urges us to do - we must reach "forth unto those things which are before."

As tempting as it is to bathe ourselves with twinkling memories of the past, the more healthy thing to do is look toward glimmering cascades ahead. Focus on the beautiful people you have in your life now and the wonderful adventures that await you in your future. It doesn't matter what happened in the past, because look at what you have in front of you now.

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Tell your man "I love you" in oh so many ways and spark up the flame with these 9 simple gestures that will be sure to make him blush:

1. Whisper sweet-nothings

When you're in a big crowd, whisper something sweet in his ear. He won't see it coming, and his cheeks will be sure to turn a shade of pink. Say something genuine- flirty or heartfelt. You could whisper how handsome he's looking that evening, how you want to sneak off away from the crowd to kiss his face, or how you noticed that kind thing he did when he thought no one was looking. Or, simply say I love you in his ear and squeeze the paunchy part of his bicep. The cheeks will burn (happily) for sure.

2. Post-it with a kiss

Buy a handsome stack of post-it-notes, put on your brightest red lipstick, and you'll be nearly set. Write a bunch of post-it-sized compliments, encouragements, flirty phrases and heartfelt thank-yous, and then sign your name with a kiss. Stick the notes anywhere and everywhere. Your man will probably blush as he chuckles at the corniness of it all, but he'll love it. Struggling with what to say? This woman has some great ideas.

3. Buy something pretty to wear to bed that night

Dress down in a new little number, light a candle, turn the lights off and sneak into bed while he's out. When he comes back in the room to go to sleep "� #Blushing. (If that doesn't make him blush and smile from ear to ear, I don't know what will.) Of course don't be tacky or trashy, but have fun and let your hair down just a bit.

4. Send him flirty texts throughout the day

Tell him you're excited to kiss him, hug him, and squeeze him. Tease him with some funny emojis. Make him laugh with some hilarious GIFs. Relate some old inside jokes just the two of you have. Then have a few of the messages be serious, and tell him just what he means to you. If you really want to make him blush, tell him something you've never told him before- about how he makes your heart skip a beat, or how he lightens your daily load.

5. Give him a shout-out on social media

Take a selfie with him or just snap a cute picture of him when he isn't looking. Tag him in it on Instagram, Facebook or wherever your favorite social scene is. Write a short but meaningful post about why #thisguy is your partner in crime, biggest fan and lover of your life. Create and add some fun hashtags just meant for you and him.

To make him really blush and feel special, mention one or two of the little things he does for you that really make a difference to you. Take some time to give a proper shout-out to your hero and best friend. He'll appreciate it more than he'll say.

Even for the guy who curbs the limelight, this small gesture will make him feel valued, albeit a little embarrassed "¦ but, a little healthy embarrassment is good every once in a while, especially for the shy guys.

6. Deliver a present to him while he's working

Because girls aren't the only ones who like chocolate and sweet gestures of romance, surprise him with a gift and a letter at work or school. Whether he'll be in the office, or studying for his classes, find a way to get a little something delivered to him. Pick out his favorite treat and write a handwritten note of appreciation and adoration. He'll be sure to blush when others around him see the present, but it'll make him smile. It's okay-act like you're in high school for just one day; play up the puppy love.

7. Find or create a menu of aphrodisiac recipes

Either cook up, dine out, or order in a lovers' meal. Some fun-lovin' recipes should include anything with almonds, eggs, asparagus, salmon, chili and jalapeño peppers, basil, avocado, garlic, lemon, figs, ginger and the list literally goes on. And don't hesitate letting him in on the meaning of your meal if you want to see some rosy reds and bashful smiles.

8. Start a "Guyentine's" Day for him

You've heard of "Galentine's" Day, but what about "Guyentine's" Day? Definitely take time to celebrate the big "V" day with your man, but set up another day for him to have a bros' night. Make it a surprise, and just ask a handful of his closest brothers.

If you're struggling to put it together, contact one of his best buddies and ask him to help you put together a little surprise for your guy. Don't overdo it. It could be as simple as setting up a day and time for the guys to meet at his favorite sports bar to eat some wings and watch some games.

Your man will be surprised to say the least, grateful you thought of something he would really enjoy doing, and he'll totally adore you for it. Surprise him with it while you're out on your date by telling him about it or on the day of the bro get-together.

9. Call up his parents

When was the last time you called up your in-laws just because? Never? Give your mum-in-law or pop-in-law a ring, and then let them know how grateful you are they raised such an amazing guy, your guy. Brag about him a bit. Tell them about some of his latest accomplishments. Mention how you're glad to be a part of his-their-family. Strengthen that bond. It will make them happy, him happy and you happy. This will bring gratified blushes and wins all around.

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Remember the magic you used to see in Christmas as a child? If you're like most grown-ups, you see the magic less and less with each passing year. Santa is no longer the symbol of jovial love and warmth you used to see him as, and some years you find it hard to even see the wonder behind the birth of the baby Jesus.

In the story "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry it reads,

"Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is exhausting for children to have to provide explanations over and over again."

Do you ever wish you could "un-grow-up" yourself to become a child again? Well, maybe you can. Maybe if you and I remember what we saw and felt as children, the magic of Christmas will be restored to us. After all, "The Little Prince" also says,

"All grown-ups were children first. (But few remember it)".

So, maybe if we remember, then we can truly see again. And I think "The Little Prince" tells us exactly how:

"Here's my secret. It is very simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes."

How can we then, as children, see with our hearts this year? For each person, it might be a bit different, but here are 3 simple steps you and I can take to become, as Jesus commanded, like little children.

1. See the excitement in giving

Have you ever had a child give you a gift they picked out and wrapped especially for you? As you tear open the wrapping paper, the excited little one almost can't but help you open the present faster. Eager eyes sparkle with excitement and tiny legs jump up and down in anticipation.

Let us take a lesson from children when it comes to giving. Let us find the excitement in it again. We can do this by taking a small amount of time to really think about what special gifts we can give this year to those we love and to those in need.

Allow your excitement to turn to love as you prepare both the gifts that can be wrapped and opened and also gifts of service that often matter most. Think about what you can give this year-be it a unique surprise for your family they will forever treasure, helping shovel snow off your neighbor's sidewalk or giving a warm meal to a homeless person you pass on the street. Do what you can, and allow the joy of giving back into your soul.

2. See Santa as the symbol he was meant to be

For grown-ups Santa becomes more of a dreaded task, who empties your wallet and deprives you of sleep on Christmas Eve than anything else. Maybe you're tired of the commercialism blanketing what used to be your favorite holiday and you feel this Mr. Claus is the mascot representing everything Christmas shouldn't be.

But how does a child see Santa? Perhaps they do see him as the source of expensive toys and high-fructose candies, but they also see him as a lot more than that. The spirit of Santa Claus is one of giving, joy and love. He symbolizes goodness and equality for all humankind. He travels the globe one night every year to ensure children everywhere know they are remembered and loved, special and important. He values children immensely-something Jesus called His followers to do:

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for such is the kingdom of heaven."

In essence, Santa symbolizes what Christmas is all about: Jesus Christ.

3. See Jesus everywhere

As you start to see Santa as a symbol for Jesus, continue to look for Him wherever you can. You'll soon see the holiday is filled with symbols of Jesus if you keep your heart open.

See Him in the colors red and green as you think of his evergreen mercy and crimson blood spilt for you and me. See Him in the cashier who takes time to really listen after she asks you how you're doing. See Him in your spouse who sacrifices so much to support you in your most basic needs. See Him in the homeless you pass on the street who like the Christ child have no bed to lay their heads on the night of Christmas. See Him in your newborn baby as you swaddle him and rock him to sleep, remembering what precious gifts children are.

Renowned airline pilot and humanitarian Dieter Uchtdorf asked,

"Do we also let distractions obstruct our view of the Savior-during this Christmas season and throughout the year? Some are external distractions-the gifts we worry about, the decorations, or the clamorous advertising-but often it is what is inside us that blinds us from seeing the Christ."

Let us try to heal our blindness and remove distractions so we can feel Him all around us this year. Let us see Him as children do so well.

"For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself." "� Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

The post How to see the magic of Christmas like a child appeared first on FamilyToday.

2. Early morning stretches in bed (and the happy Chewbacca groan you unconsciously let out at the same time).

3. Cleaning those ears with Q-tips "� ahhhh.

4. The first steps you take after being in the car for hours.

5. The first sip of soda when you're parched - so fresh, so crisp.

6. Clocking out after a bad day at work.

7. Clocking out after a good day at work.

8. When your pants still fit after your Thanksgiving feast.

9. The endorphin-kick after a good run.

10. An unexpected hug.

11. That first jump into a cool pool on a hot summer day.

12. The it's-so-bad-but-it-feels-so-good feeling you get as you scratch a scab.

13. The smell of a new book.

14. The smell of an old book.

15. Flopping down on your own bed after being away from home for days.

16. Eyebrows on fleek!

17. Happy toes in the sand.

18. Stepping out into the warm sun after feeling frozen.

19. Smells of peppermint and pumpkin.

20. Hearing (singing) the first Christmas song of the year before Halloween (Don't even try to pretend you don't like it).

21. The prayer of a child.

22. The first snow of the year.

23. Realizing it's Saturday.

24. Spooning.

25. Lipstick on point!

26. Putting on warm clothes fresh out of the dryer.

27. The look on someone else's face when you've done something unexpectedly kind for them.

BONUS: The inside glow you feel when you realize you have so much to be thankful for.

What little things are you crazy grateful for? Share them in the comments below!

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It's no secret that the flame of faith in our world grows dimmer with each passing day. People around the globe find it harder and harder to believe in a higher being and purpose. What cannot be seen, touched or heard loses validity in any argument. Many choose to walk away from their churches and their faith.

While every individual has a right to stop worshipping a deity or living a theology that no longer serves them, these doubt-filled times beg the question: Are there bad reasons to leave your belief behind?

Definitely.

That being said, the struggle between faith and doubt is real and often complicated. It's not something to be taken lightly. However, in these confusing times, it's important for us to be aware of the following five really bad reasons to leave your church.

1. Sinning is just so much more fun

It might surprise you that this reason to leave a church behind is actually a lot less common than you might think. Still, there are enough people who give in to this thought to make it worth mentioning.

The sin-filled road always appears to be an easy street. It poses as a glamorous thoroughfare with parades of laughing, easy-going, happy people. But experience shows that while the trip may be fun and comfortable for a moment, the path soon becomes a windy, bumpy highway. The traffic is fast, and it's hard to find a safe exit.

Lasting joy is much different than mere fun. Joy is eternal and filled with no regrets. The definition of sin is going against what you know to be right. Investments in joy are leading a life of integrity and honesty. Don't believe the lie that sinning is easier. Repentance and restitution, while always possible, are rarely painless. Choose the safer route.

2. The church members should be better people

Duh. But isn't that the point? If churches were for perfect people, they would be empty; not to mention pointless. We all should be better people, and that's exactly why we go to church - to try to improve ourselves. Just as you'd like others to give you room to grow and make mistakes, extend to them that same courtesy.

Church leaders and members will let you down. It's a fact. But true faith isn't based on people or reputations. It's based on God and His dependability. If someone has offended you, forgive. If a fellow church member is a hypocrite, remember you are too. None of us live up perfectly to what we preach, although we try.

This does not excuse acts of abuse, however. If members or leaders disobey laws of the land or do real harm to people, then their actions should by no means be brushed under the rug. You can still forgive them, but you don't need to trust them.

3. There isn't enough time

Life in the 21st century isn't slowing down for anyone. Time is a precious commodity. If your church seems to be demanding too much of your time, then take a moment to evaluate your entire schedule.

Are the things you place the most value in taking top priority in your life? Or, are less important tasks taking precedence?

Ask yourself these questions whenever you start to feel like attending church is just too much of a commitment. Think about if your services or other church activities bless or trouble your life. If they bless your life, then don't just scratch them out! Find balance, and remember that no workout routine, shopping spree, finished project or the like compares to growing closer to your God and becoming the person you wish to become.

We make time for what's important to us. It's OK to say no to things that are good but not essential, so that you have time for what's best and crucial.

4. I'm not good enough

Often, feelings of unworthiness make us think we are just too far gone to find hope in Jesus. But he asked ALL to come unto him. Just like reason number two, if you were perfect, you wouldn't need Him, let alone church. Don't let guilt push you away. The joyful news brought to the world through Christendom is that you are good enough because of Him.

If you are having a hard time obeying a commandment, don't walk away from a community that loves you and from an institution trying to help you find healing. Hold on. You are not as bad as you think. Your heart and your actions will change for the better if you keep believing.

5. Faith is too hard

Maybe your faith and your doubt have been battling for just far too long, and you are burnt out, ready to give up the fight. Faith is a hope for things not seen, so it's going to be hard to hold on to. But do hold on. When doubts ensue, as they always do, remember the moments of belief. It's easy to discredit past personal spiritual events. But if something was true to you at one point in time, there was a reason for your belief. Rediscover that reason and find respite in Jesus. His "yoke is easy and [his] burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)

To question is good. To work at your beliefs is worthwhile. In the words of Alfred Korzybski, "There are two ways to slide easily through life; to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways save us from thinking."

Be true to yourself and never stop thinking. Claim your right to believe what you honestly believe. In the words of a wise friend of mine, "The only bad reasons to leave a church are ones that could be worked out through time, effort, patience, charity and supportive membership."

Take courage. Be patient. Hold on to the faith.

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But can the selfie phenomenon be merely reduced to a generation?

People have argued, "There's nothing wrong with being your best selfie," and why society should "Have more faith in Generation Selfie." Insightful commentators have explained how selfie-taking is merely another way to "write" contemporary conversation.

On the flip side, others have exposed how we're in the middle of a selfie-addiction crisis that could be turning many 20-somethings into narcissists who lack human warmth and connection.

A few have enlightened us that selfies weren't merely born when mothers were giving life to children during the early 1980s to early 2000s. Instead, they argue that artists have been rendering self-portraits for centuries, so why does the new medium of today — the smart phone — really change anything at all? Still, art curators find this extremely demeaning to the Greats.

I wonder, however, if there is more about this singularity that we're not tapping into — even with all of the marketers, psychologists and reporters going on about it with just the same amount of absorption and obsession for which these specialists are claiming the selfie-takers have for their "art."

Let me explain: Before the genesis of this blog post, came a simple, unprofessional survey conducted by me, myself and I. I came up with a slew of different headlines on various subjects I thought might intrigue online readers. I then asked my Facebook friends to vote. The majority ruled for an article about this selfie generation about which I am speaking.

I commenced on researching this favored topic. Then it hit me. I discovered one simple truth: everyone is completely infatuated - yes, infatuated - with the entire notion of the Selfie-with-a-capital-S.

While I acknowledge that what I am saying is nothing new — that narcissism did not begin with Instagram and SnapChat — I would like to propose that the selfie generation is more than a generation, or several generations. It's actually quite simply who we are as an intellectual, self-aware, sophisticated species. It's in our blood, our DNA, our narratives, our religion and even our deity: "In the beginning ... God created man in His own image." Genesis 1:27.

The discussion going on today about the selfie generation is one large ironic piece of evidence to the entire pile of proofs: we are obsessed with ourselves, even our selfies — and for good reason. Darwin called it survival of the fittest, and I think that still fits today. We will always be intrigued with ourselves. It helps us survive; just ask Freud or Jung.

Disclaimers:

1. Some argue that Gen Z is also/instead the Generation Selfie.

2. I am NOT throwing God under the bus. I believe on a deeper, more intellectual and spiritual note that if we studied the Book of Genesis, we might discover why self-love is a telling way we can show our love to God and thank Him for who we are. God must love himself if He was willing to create man in His image; therefore appropriate self-love is not a bad thing, but perhaps a God-like trait.

3. I acknowledge as the author of yet another post on selfies, I am just as much to blame as anyone for the stack of evidence.

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