Q: Washi is a term that simply means "Japanese paper" and is usually used to describe the basic type of folding paper used to make origami shapes in Japan and overseas. Washi is made to fold easily and maintain its shape, and since it's a no-frills type of paper, it will probably work best for standard usages and beginners learning the ropes of origami. Washi comes in a square, standardized size and can be purchased in most craft stores around the world. Washi is the most common type of origami paper and will be the go-to choice for most projects. Named because of its coloration, duo paper is a basic paper type that features a different color on each side of the sheet. Choose duo paper when you're folding shapes that benefit stylistically from a certain color scheme (such as red and green for a rose), or if your purpose is to make the design more intricate by incorporating different layers of color. Care must be taken to fold duo paper correctly, as misalignments will be made more visible by the contrast in color. Chiyogami is another conventional Japanese origami paper. In most cases, it is basic washi, only bearing classical Japanese artwork, prints, and patterns. Chiyogami paper is more elaborate in appearance than other varieties, and is an available option should you wish to learn traditional Japanese shapes and folding styles. There are many traditional origami papers bearing classic Japanese aesthetics. In addition to basic chiyogami, there is yuzen, a particular variation of chiyogami that features prints inspired by popular fabrics from ancient Japan; momigami, fashioned from mulberry bark and known for its leathery texture; and shinwazome, a thick, brilliantly adorned paper with embossed patterns that is often used for more extravagant projects. Lend a little shine to your art by picking up some foil paper, which has a standard folding paper on one side and a thin layer of metallic foil on the other. Foil origami paper is sure to catch the eye as your designs sparkle with a gold, silver, or ruby glint. The foil will also help preserve your folds, as the pliable metallic layer holds a crease that won't spring back out of place. Another additional benefit of working with foil paper is that it allows the handler to fashion smooth curves in their designs that easily maintain their shape. It will be hard to hide mistakes made with foil paper, as the paper will remain crinkled even after it is smoothed out.
A: Buy a standard pack of washi. Use duo paper to add color layers. Try chiyogami paper for traditional designs. Add luster with foil paper.

Q: Being grateful has long-term benefits on your health, work, and social life. Every night before sleeping, think of the good things that have happened today. Include the things people have said and the things others have done for you. Reflect on the things you ate and the basic necessities you have. It's easy to take these things for granted. Often, we are too busy thinking of the few negative experiences we have throughout the day to feel positive about the many good things. Sometimes, we suffer a great loss and need to grieve. Grieving does not necessarily mean that we are ungrateful and being grateful does not mean you're not allowed to grieve. It's a natural human process. It's easy to adopt a negative outlook on life. Actively looking for the positive aspects of every situation will help you be grateful. It will help you criticize and complain less and appreciate more. If you find yourself in an unfavourable situation, ask yourself what you can learn from it. If you find yourself in a generally low mood, look to your thoughts. What are you thinking? How are you thinking? Are you complaining about something? Are you blaming yourself or someone else for what happened? Ask yourself if what you're thinking is based on fact or opinion. Is there truth to your thought? Think of other ways of looking at your situation. This doesn't mean that you're not allowed to have negative thoughts. Everybody has negative thoughts occasionally. Believing all the negative thoughts to be true is what will have a negative impact on your life including lower mood and motivation to work for a great future. Make it a point to thank others who are a valuable part of your life or who have helped you do things to make a better future. Not only will this open the door to more beneficial relationships but will also improve your physical and mental health. Send thank you notes to professional acquaintances and be thoughtful and caring to those you're close to.
A: Reflect on the good in your life. Train your mind to look for the good in everything. Thank people along the way.

Q: If you are in a rut, chances are you've been doing things the same way for quite a while. Trying to change every aspect of your life overnight is just unrealistic, not to mention incredibly daunting. You'll find that success comes much more easily if you set an achievable goal to begin with. If you have decided to make huge changes in your life, break them up into a series of goals. You are much more likely to succeed if you manage your expectations. For instance, if you want to go back to college, make it your first goal to research schools that offer the program you want to do. This is an easily accomplished, yet vital step in your journey! Making small changes, such as taking a new route to work or working out in the morning instead of the afternoon, can help introduce new stimuli and change your perspective. Start by making small changes with how you do things and you may notice a big difference. There are a number of ways you can do this, especially if you have a smartphone. Take a few minutes to download a helpful app, or stop by the office supply store for a calendar and some sparkly star stickers. Looking back at your progress can really give you a boost! It sounds counter-intuitive, but try not to brag about your big plans before you have actually achieved anything. According to research, talking about your intention to do something makes you less likely to really do it. With that in mind, don't forget to congratulate yourself when you reach a milestone. If your main goal is to lose fifteen pounds, pat yourself on the back when you've lost five. Whether you are trying to make huge changes or just need a little pick-me-up, somebody somewhere has probably been through it too. Learning about the experiences of others can really give you some perspective and motivation. Depending on your situation, it might be helpful to join some type of community with other people who are in the same boat as you. This could be a traditional "support group," a group you set up with your family and friends, or even an online forum. Having a strong support system can be crucial to avoiding stress. Changing your routine, especially if you've been doing it for a while, is hard. Give yourself credit for trying in the first place. Remind yourself how far you've come, and don't let one little setback stop you.
A:
Start small. Keep track of your progress. Read articles or books about others who have done what you are trying to do. Don't give up.